Stretch‐Activated Reprogrammable Shape‐Morphing Composite Elastomers

Abstract A stretched elastomer film generally will recover its original flat shape after releasing the applied force due to elasticity. Here, stretch‐activated flat‐to‐3D shape‐morphing composite elastomers by local mismatches of elasticity and plasticity, is reported. The elasticity/plasticity in a flat conventional elastomer film is spatially regulated by local swelling of a melted small molecule which is crystallizable at room temperature. Being released from a stretch, the patterned flat composite elastomer films transform into preset complex 3D shapes. Importantly, the shape‐morphing is reversible, reprogrammable, and predictable, which provides a versatile and sustainable platform for the design of soft morphing devices.