Liquid crystal elastomer coatings with programmed response of surface profile

Greta Babakhanova, Taras Turiv, Yubing Guo, Matthew Hendrikx, Qi-Huo Wei, Albert P. H. J. Schenning, Dirk J. Broer and Oleg D. Lavrentovich ()
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Greta Babakhanova: Kent State University
Taras Turiv: Kent State University
Yubing Guo: Kent State University
Matthew Hendrikx: Eindhoven University of Technology
Qi-Huo Wei: Kent State University
Albert P. H. J. Schenning: Eindhoven University of Technology
Dirk J. Broer: Eindhoven University of Technology
Oleg D. Lavrentovich: Kent State University

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomers with molecular orientation coupled to rubber-like elasticity show a great potential as elements in soft robotics, sensing, and transport systems. The orientational order defines their mechanical response to external stimuli, such as thermally activated muscle-like contraction. Here we demonstrate a dynamic thermal control of the surface topography of an elastomer prepared as a coating with a pattern of in-plane molecular orientation. The inscribed pattern determines whether the coating develops elevations, depressions, or in-plane deformations when the temperature changes. The deterministic dependence of the out-of-plane dynamic profile on the in-plane orientation is explained by activation forces. These forces are caused by stretching-contraction of the polymer networks and by spatially varying molecular orientation. The activation force concept brings the responsive liquid crystal elastomers into the domain of active matter. The demonstrated relationship can be used to design coatings with functionalities that mimic biological tissues such as skin.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02895-9

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