Self-evolving materials based on metastable-to-stable crystal transition of a polymorphic polyolefin
Wenhua Yuan, Chengtao Yu, Shanshan Xu, Lingling Ni, Wenqing Xu, Guorong Shan, Yongzhong Bao, Pengju Pan
Abstract
programmable crystal transition is proposed. The self-evolving materials can encode information on patterns and morphing by the metastable crystal phase. Dynamically, this phase transforms to the stable crystal phase so that the encoded information self-evolves with time, displaying the autonomous characteristic. Moreover, this process can be interrupted at an arbitrary time through solvent-induced recrystallization. These advantages have been demonstrated by fabricating an edible period indicator and imitating sophisticated human body language. It is believed that this work may inspire future research studies on self-evolving materials based on the non-equilibrium process of dry materials.