Integrating the Stimuli‐Responsiveness of Microparticles via Matrix Embedding for Smart Soft Materials with Customized Switchable Properties

Abstract

Smart soft materials are the focus of extensive research efforts due to their potential applications in various fields. Inspired by nature, embedding smart micro‐inclusions in a soft substrate provides a feasible strategy to integrate the smartness of individual microparticles for creating smart materials at the macroscale, broadening the capabilities and applications of smart soft materials. This strategy decouples the design of intelligence and substrate materials, leading to a broader design space for both the smartness and the mechanical properties of the composites. In this Perspective, recent advances in creating smart soft materials using smart microparticles are summarized. The methods developed to construct composites of microparticles in a soft matrix are first introduced, followed by detailed discussions on the material compositions, stimuli and responsiveness, and properties of individual microparticles and the composite systems. Various applications based on advanced functionalities and capabilities that are enabled by those smart soft materials are highlighted. This study also points out research directions to further advance unconventional smart soft materials following this bioinspired approach.