Abstract: 

In this talk efforts towards creating synthetic biomimetic systems using polymeric materials will be discussed. First, sellf-healing magnetic nanocomposites with robust mechanical properties and high magnetic actuation potential prepared from commodity monomers via graft-from approach will be discussed. Next, bio-mimetic nonequilibrium systems will be introduced and a chemothermally driven out-of-equilibrium material for achieving macroscopic motion will be discussed. Lastly,  a chemothermal approach is employed in efforts towards a self-regulating device via attachment of the copper catalyst into a temperature responsive material.