Bio-inspired thermal responsible liquid crystal actuators showing shape and color variations simultaneously

Tu, Chia-Ming; Chao, Chia‐Hui; Hung, Sheng-Chi; Ou, Szu-Yin; Zhuang, Chao‐Hui; Liu, Chun Yen

doi:10.1016/j.jtice.2022.104536

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…In our previous paper, a planar-co-focal conic LC film was designed and created via predesigned onestep polymerization. 49 Nevertheless, the controllability of film thickness remains a challenge for both fabricated planar and focal conic structures. In order to address these limitations, this study proposes a continuous two-step polymerization method aimed at producing hybrid LC actuator films capable of deformation and color-changing functionalities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…After laminating the two layers, a deformable and color-changing LC actuator was formed. , However, this method often led to delamination between the two layers, and the adhesive used for lamination could affect the deformation and color-changing properties of the dual-layer film. In our previous paper, a planar- co -focal conic LC film was designed and created via predesigned one-step polymerization . Nevertheless, the controllability of film thickness remains a challenge for both fabricated planar and focal conic structures.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Thermochromic Liquid-Crystalline Elastomers Featuring a Predesigned Hybrid Architecture

Kuo,

Lin,

Huang

et al. 2024

ACS Appl. Polym. Mater.

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Liquid-crystal elastomers have recently found diverse applications in mimicking biological functionalities, largely due to the unique interactions among liquid-crystal molecules. One intriguing application involves replicating the transformation and color-changing abilities of chameleons using dual-layer liquid-crystal elastic films. However, these films often exhibit defects due to the presence of a laminating layer. Addressing this issue, our study presents an approach where we design liquid-crystal molecule alignment and employ ultraviolet polymerization to fabricate a hybrid liquid-crystal film actuator with inclined alignment, effectively overcoming these defects. By integrating cholesteric liquid crystals with vertically aligned nematic liquidcrystal layers, our actuator demonstrates both shape-changing and thermochromic capabilities. We confirm the alignment of liquid-crystal molecules through field emission scanning electron microscopy and polarized optical microscopy, while the structural color of the films is examined using a UV−visible spectrometer. As the temperature rises, our prepared liquid-crystal films exhibit a bending thermomechanical effect, coupled with a redshift in color during thermal stimulation. Notably, our dual-layer films doped with E7 show heightened color variation and undergo rigorous cycle testing for reversible bending actuation, leveraging the unpolymerized nature of E7. These meticulously designed hybrid liquid-crystal films hold promise for applications in soft robotics, artificial muscle development, and optical devices.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermochromic Liquid-Crystalline Elastomers Featuring a Predesigned Hybrid Architecture

Kuo,

Lin,

Huang

et al. 2024

ACS Appl. Polym. Mater.

Self Cite

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Creation of asymmetrically constructed cylindrical liquid crystal actuators with controllable thermal rolling

Chao

Chen

Kuo

et al. 2023

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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In this study, we demonstrate a predesigned method for the fabrication of rolling direction controllable asymmetrically constructed cylindrical liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs). Cylindrical liquid crystal elastomers were fabricated by Michael addition, and the synthesized CLCE prepolymers were then uniaxially stretched with a twisted angle and fixed with UV polymerization. The synthesized asymmetrically constructed CLCEs reveal that the gravity center shifts from the geometric center, showing thermal actuation. The location of the asymmetric gravity center of each of the synthesized CLCEs was estimated. Based on the location of the gravity center, rolling direction control of the synthesized CLCEs was achieved. For one synthesized CLCE, both clockwise and counterclockwise rolling are possible depending on the location of the gravity center when it was placed on a hot plate. The creation of direction controllable cylindrical thermally sensitive LCE actuators is a novel skill, which opens a new avenue for the fabrication of smart functional materials.

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From responsiveness in biological matter to functional materials: Analogies and inspiration towards the systematic design and synthesis of new smart materials and systems

Cosma

Brighenti

2023

Applied Materials Today

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Bio-inspired thermal responsible liquid crystal actuators showing shape and color variations simultaneously

Cited by 5 publications

References 53 publications

Thermochromic Liquid-Crystalline Elastomers Featuring a Predesigned Hybrid Architecture

Thermochromic Liquid-Crystalline Elastomers Featuring a Predesigned Hybrid Architecture

Creation of asymmetrically constructed cylindrical liquid crystal actuators with controllable thermal rolling

From responsiveness in biological matter to functional materials: Analogies and inspiration towards the systematic design and synthesis of new smart materials and systems

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