Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal elastomers as moldable shape-programmable material

Matej Bobnar, Nikita Derets, Saide Umerova, Valentina Domenici, Nikola Novak, Marta Lavrič, George Cordoyiannis, Boštjan Zalar and Andraž Rešetič ()
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Matej Bobnar: Jožef Stefan Institute, Solid State Physics Department
Nikita Derets: Jožef Stefan Institute, Solid State Physics Department
Saide Umerova: Jožef Stefan Institute, Solid State Physics Department
Valentina Domenici: Università degli studi di Pisa
Nikola Novak: Jožef Stefan Institute, Solid State Physics Department
Marta Lavrič: Jožef Stefan Institute, Solid State Physics Department
George Cordoyiannis: Jožef Stefan Institute, Solid State Physics Department
Boštjan Zalar: Jožef Stefan Institute, Solid State Physics Department
Andraž Rešetič: Jožef Stefan Institute, Solid State Physics Department

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract The current development of soft shape-memory materials often results in materials that are typically limited to the synthesis of thin-walled specimens and usually rely on complex, low-yield manufacturing techniques to fabricate macro-sized, solid three-dimensional objects. However, such geometrical limitations and slow production rates can significantly hinder their practical implementation. In this work, we demonstrate a shape-memory composite material that can be effortlessly molded into arbitrary shapes or sizes. The composite material is made from main-chain liquid crystal elastomer (MC-LCE) microparticles dispersed in a silicone polymer matrix. Shape-programmability is achieved via low-temperature induced glassiness and hardening of MC-LCE inclusions, which effectively freezes-in any mechanically instilled deformations. Once thermally reset, the composite returns to its initial shape and can be shape-programmed again. Magnetically aligning MC-LCE microparticles prior to curing allows the shape-programmed artefacts to be additionally thermomechanically functionalized. Therefore, our material enables efficient morphing among the virgin, thermally-programmed, and thermomechanically-controlled shapes.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36426-y

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