Photothermally driven liquid crystal polymer actuators

Abstract

Light-controlled liquid crystal polymer actuators using the photothermal effect are easy to make and capable of executing complex shape morphing or motion.

Light‐Responsive Shape‐Changing Polymers

“…Since in this case light is not directly but rather indirectly responsible for shape changes, we only briefly discuss some state‐of‐the‐art progress in photothermally actuated materials. For further insight in this topic, we would kindly refer the reader to the recently published review articles on photothermally driven soft materials in general, photothermally driven LCP actuators, and carbon‐based photothermal actuators …”

“…One of the challenges in photochemical actuation is that UV light irradiation is often necessary to achieve the needed chemical transition, which may not be appropriate for certain types of applications, such as the biomedical field, as it may be harmful to healthy cells and it has limited tissue penetration depth . In this regard, near‐infrared (NIR) light could be more suitable.…”

“…The majority of the discussed light‐driven LCP actuators are based on the photoisomerization of azobenzene moieties. However, because of some possible limitations of photochemically driven systems mentioned above, photothermal strategies to control the order–disorder phase transition were explored for LCP actuators as well . Moreover, simultaneous application of both photochemical and photothermal effects in LCP materials may lead to more complex photomechanical actuation.…”

(Photo)Thermal Stimulation of Functional Dithiolene Complexes in Soft Matter

“…Bio‐inspired by these natural features, scientists develop soft actuator materials to transform external stimuli (such as electricity, light, heat, and chemical energy) into mechanical motion. Photoresponsive polymer actuators are especially attractive since light allows for remote and localized actuation of the polymers without the need to connect tubes or wires . Thus, soft liquid crystalline polymer film which can be stimulated with light are particularly appealing.…”

“…Photoresponsive polymer actuators are especially attractive since light allows for remote and localized actuation of the polymers without the need to connect tubes or wires. [32] Thus, soft liquid crystalline polymer film which can be stimulated with light are particularly appealing.…”