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Non‐Uniform Optical Inscription of Actuation Domains in a Liquid Crystal Polymer of Uniaxial Orientation: An Approach to Complex and Programmable Shape Changes

2017; Wiley; Volume: 56; Issue: 45 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/anie.201709528

1521-3773

Rong Yang, Yue Zhao,

Photochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry

Achieving complex shape change of liquid-crystal polymer networks (LCNs) under stimulation generally requires spatial configuration of the orientation direction, that is, patterned directors, of liquid crystal monomers prior to polymerization by means of treated surfaces. A strategy is demonstrated that needs only the simple uniaxial orientation of mesogens (monodomain) induced by mechanical stretching of LCNs. Using a rationally designed liquid crystal polymer, photocrosslinking is utilized to pattern or spatially organize the actuating monodomains in order to generate a differential contractile and/or extensional force field required for targeted shape change. Moreover, the approach enables versatile actuation modes and allows multiple shape changes to be programmed on a single piece of the polymer. This important feature is demonstrated with a specimen cut to have eight strips that, upon thermal stimulation, simultaneously display eight types of shape morphing.