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Liquid crystal elastomers exhibit several interesting phenomena like elastic response, shape memory effect and mechanical actuation triggered by external stimuli and have got much importance among all types of actuated materials. In the present study, we synthesised nematic liquid crystal elastomers (NLCEs) by using Finkelmann procedure. The chemical structure of elastomers is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The dielectric response of NLCEs and the monomer used in its synthesis has been studied in the frequency range 20 Hz to 1 MHz. The effect of bias on dielectric response of NLCE and its comparison with its liquid crystal analogue is also reported.

In the present study, the optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) were investigated using various techniques. The presence of functional groups in LCE was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The phase transition temperatures were confirmed via polarizing optical microscopy and Fabry-Perot scattering studies. The differential thermal analysis was used for investigating the thermal behavior. A dynamic mechanical analysis was used to study the mechanical properties of LCE. The significant mechanical changes with a considerable reversible effect were observed for this soft material. The changes in the mechanical shape with the temperature are attributed to the change in the phase of the LCE material. ARTICLE HISTORY

The thermal and mechanical properties of Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) were characterized using various techniques for understanding of their physical behavior. The material used for investigation was synthesized by us, using Finklemann procedure, with proper cross linking density in nematic phase. The material is found to have unique coupling between anisotropicorder of liquid crystal component and elasticity of polymer network. The chemical structures were confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Fabry Perot Scattering Studies (FPSS), Thermo gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimatory (DSC) were used to study thermal properties. The mechanical properties were studied using force sensor. Our investigation shows that this synthesized Liquid Crystal Elastomer has ability of spontaneous change as a function of temperature and mechanical force, which shows it as a unique class of soft material.

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