Intelligent polymer systems have the capacity to sense a variety of stimuli in the operational environment. They can further process this information and then actuate responses. The stimuli utilized may be chemical (e.g., chemical imbalance in a living system) or physical (e.g., structure exceeds a stress limit). Likewise the response actuated may be chemical (e.g., controlled release of drugs) or physical (e.g., increase in stiffness of material).
The intelligent polymer structure will require energy to implement these functions, so energy conversion/storage capabilities are desirable. These latter functions could be achieved, for example, by utilizing the photovoltaic properties of polymer structures. Ideally, all of the above mentioned functions would be integrated at the molecular level.
While a number of classes of polymers are capable of providing one or more intelligent functions, inherently conducting polymers (ICPs) may provide all of them. Synthesis and properties of these polymers are detailed. Their use as sensors, information processors and actuators are discussed as is the possiblity of providing an energy conversion and storage stystem.