3D Printable and Reconfigurable Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Light‐Induced Shape Memory via Dynamic Bond Exchange
Abstract
3D printable and reconfigurable liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) that reversibly shape‐morph when cycled above and below their nematic‐to‐isotropic transition temperature (TNI) are created, whose actuated shape can be locked‐in via high‐temperature UV exposure. By synthesizing LCE‐based inks with light‐triggerable dynamic bonds, printing can be harnessed to locally program their director alignment and UV light can be used to enable controlled network reconfiguration without requiring an imposed mechanical field. Using this integrated approach, 3D LCEs are constructed in both monolithic and heterogenous layouts that exhibit complex shape changes, and whose transformed shapes could be locked‐in on demand.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1002/adma.201905682
Entities
People
- Arda Kotikian
- Emily C. Davidson
- Jennifer A. Lewis
- Joanna Aizenberg
- Shucong Li
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- Harvard University
- National Science Foundation