Dynamic Covalent Bonded Gradient Structured Actuators with Mechanical Robustness and Self‐Healing Ability

Abstract

AbstractFlexible actuators with excellent adaptability and interaction safety have a wide range of application prospects in many fields. However, current flexible actuators have problems such as fragility and poor actuating ability. Here, inspired by the features of nacre structure, a gradient structured flexible actuator is proposed with mechanical robustness and self‐healing ability. By introducing dynamic boronic ester bonds at the interface between MXene nanosheets and epoxy natural rubber matrix, the resulting nanocomposites with ordered micro‐nano structures exhibit excellent tensile strength (25.03 MPa) and satisfactory repair efficiency (81.2%). In addition, the gradient distribution structure of MXene nanosheets endows the actuator with stable photothermal conversion capability, which can quickly respond to near‐infrared light stimulation. The interlayer dynamic covalent bond crosslinking enables good response speed after multiple bending and is capable of functional self‐healing after damage. This work introduces gradient structure and dynamic covalent bonding into flexible actuators, which provides a reference for the fabrication of self‐healing soft robots, wearable, and other healable functional materials.