Programming actuation onset of a liquid crystalline elastomer via isomerization of network topology

Guancong Chen, Haijun Feng, Xiaorui Zhou, Feng Gao, Kai Zhou, Youju Huang, Binjie Jin (), Tao Xie and Qian Zhao ()
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Guancong Chen: Zhejiang University
Haijun Feng: Zhejiang University
Xiaorui Zhou: Zhejiang University
Feng Gao: Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
Kai Zhou: Zhejiang University
Youju Huang: Hangzhou Normal University
Binjie Jin: Zhejiang University
Tao Xie: Zhejiang University
Qian Zhao: Zhejiang University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Tuning actuation temperatures of liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) achieves control of their actuation onsets, which is generally accomplished in the synthesis step and cannot be altered afterward. Multiple actuation onsets in one LCE can be encoded if the post-synthesis regulation of actuation temperature can be spatiotemporally achieved. This would allow realizing a logical time-evolution of actuation, desired for future soft robots. Nevertheless, this task is challenging given the additional need to ensure mesogen alignment required for actuation. We achieved this goal with a topology isomerizable network (TIN) of LCE containing aromatic and aliphatic esters in the mesogenic and amorphous phases, respectively. These two ester bonds can be distinctly activated for transesterification. The homolytic bond exchange between aliphatic esters allows mechanically induced mesogen alignment without affecting the mesogenic phase. Most importantly, the heterolytic exchange between aromatic and aliphatic esters changes the actuation temperature under different conditions. Spatial control of the two mechanisms via a photo-latent catalyst unleashes the freedom in regulating actuation temperature distribution, yielding unusual controllability in actuation geometries and logical sequence. Our principle is generally applicable to common LCEs containing both aromatic and aliphatic esters.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42594-8

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