ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
17(9), С. 14488 - 14498
Опубликована: Фев. 25, 2025
Liquid
crystal
elastomers
(LCEs)
are
among
the
key
smart
materials
driving
soft
robotics
and
LCE
fibers
have
garnered
significant
attention
for
their
rapid
response
characteristics.
A
convenient
fast
method
programming
orientations
of
liquid
molecules
is
a
focal
issue
in
applications.
Inspired
by
Kirigami
technique,
here,
we
propose
novel
fabricating
based
on
customizable
cutting
paths
secondary
photo-cross-linking.
While
most
existing
actuators
exhibit
contraction
ratios
around
30
to
40%,
our
conical
spiral
actuator,
fabricated
from
LCE-carbon
nanotube
(CNT)
fiber
using
proposed
method,
demonstrates
significantly
higher
ratio,
reaching
up
80%.
The
ratio
can
be
controlled
adjusting
path
parameters
elucidate
mechanism
linking
orientation
distribution
ratio.
Additionally,
deformation
actuator
manipulated
with
light
radiation,
enabling
versatile
functionalities
such
as
catching,
twisting,
gripping.
We
hope
that
fabrication
presented
provides
new
insights
preparing
fibers,
offering
valuable
reference
application
materials.
Advanced Functional Materials,
Год журнала:
2024,
Номер
34(19)
Опубликована: Янв. 12, 2024
Abstract
Liquid
crystal
elastomers
(LCEs)
with
photo‐responsive
properties,
typically
driven
by
either
photochemical
or
photothermal
mechanisms,
have
found
extensive
applications
as,
for
example,
actuators
in
soft
robots.
However,
intricate
temperature‐dependent
viscoelasticity
of
LCEs
poses
a
challenge,
leading
to
notable
gap
the
domain
dynamic
models
photothermal‐responsive
LCE
(PTR‐LCE)
fibers.
Here,
fundamental
framework
is
proposed
accurate
modeling
and
real‐time
simulations
PTR‐LCE
fiber
dynamics.
The
described
as
one‐dimensional
(1D)
string
model
that
decomposes
deformation
into
active
passive
parts,
which
are
characterized
an
order
parameter
linear
model,
respectively.
Then,
independent
experimental
measurements
parameters
conducted,
numerical
algorithm
developed
solve
validated
convergence,
time
efficiency,
accuracy.
Finally,
employed
simulate
both
open‐loop
Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative
(PID)
control
made
results
confirm
advantages
this
over
previous
models.
This
work
not
only
reveals
physical
mechanisms
underlying
behaviors
but
also
provides
inspirations
more
efficient
precise
robotic
applications.
Advanced Materials,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
unknown
Опубликована: Фев. 9, 2025
Light-driven
wireless
actuators
provide
obvious
advantages
for
remote
control.
However,
traditional
double-layer
are
restricted
to
the
thin
film
deformation
mode
when
undertaking
complex
tasks.
Here,
an
actuator
is
proposed
that
employs
thermal
strain
and
local
photothermal
effects
induced
by
low
boiling
point
liquids
generate
asymmetry
along
fiber
axis,
thereby
causing
elastic
of
fiber.
Under
continuous
irradiation,
sustained
results
in
dynamic
frustration
within
fiber,
creating
torque
around
its
axis.
Based
on
this
principle,
fabricated
study
enables
rolling
translation,
while
ring
achieves
simultaneous
lifting
motion
object
manipulation.
Continuous
under
light
eliminates
need
This
new
movement
method
offers
insight
various
application
scenarios.
Advanced Functional Materials,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
unknown
Опубликована: Фев. 9, 2025
Abstract
Soft
machines
crafted
from
stimuli‐responsive
materials
hold
great
potential
for
intelligent
autonomous
systems.
To
stably
generate
a
self‐sustainable
motion
under
constant
stimuli,
it
is
essential
to
overcome
the
challenges
of
geometric
design,
physical
modeling,
and
mechanical‐guided
parametric
study.
Here,
inspired
by
classical
Möbius
strip,
threefold
machine
made
humidity‐responsive
agarose
films
proposed.
A
theoretical
model
built
based
on
moisture
diffusion
developable
surface
unveil
mechanisms
curvature‐driven
rotary
with
shape
conservation,
establish
quantitative
correlations
between
speed
environmental
parameters
optimize
design
given
constraints.
As
result,
capable
operating
in
humid
environment
252
hours
developed.
It
can
also
continuously
output
mechanical
work
sense
ambient
humidity.
envisaged
that
T
integration
structural
principles
modeling
will
push
development
innovative
robotic
systems
next
level.
Abstract
Liquid
crystal
elastomers
(LCEs)
are
highly
stimuli‐responsive
materials
with
programmable
shape
morphing
via
engineering
molecular
orientations.
This
study
explores
the
buckling
behavior
of
3D‐printed
LCE
microtubes
featuring
topological
defect
profiles,
revealing
both
wrinkled
and
unwrinkled
buckling.
The
interplay
between
director
field
topology
height‐radius
ratio
regulates
mode.
For
a
+1
profile,
number
wrinkles
correlates
inversely
ratio,
threshold
set
by
soft
elasticity.
charges
other
than
+1,
is
determined
balance
symmetry
locate
primarily
in
areas
where
directors
align
circumferential
direction.
These
findings
highlight
potential
to
program
optimizing
dimensions
topologies
LCEs,
paving
way
for
new
responsive
adaptive
structures
devices.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
17(9), С. 14488 - 14498
Опубликована: Фев. 25, 2025
Liquid
crystal
elastomers
(LCEs)
are
among
the
key
smart
materials
driving
soft
robotics
and
LCE
fibers
have
garnered
significant
attention
for
their
rapid
response
characteristics.
A
convenient
fast
method
programming
orientations
of
liquid
molecules
is
a
focal
issue
in
applications.
Inspired
by
Kirigami
technique,
here,
we
propose
novel
fabricating
based
on
customizable
cutting
paths
secondary
photo-cross-linking.
While
most
existing
actuators
exhibit
contraction
ratios
around
30
to
40%,
our
conical
spiral
actuator,
fabricated
from
LCE-carbon
nanotube
(CNT)
fiber
using
proposed
method,
demonstrates
significantly
higher
ratio,
reaching
up
80%.
The
ratio
can
be
controlled
adjusting
path
parameters
elucidate
mechanism
linking
orientation
distribution
ratio.
Additionally,
deformation
actuator
manipulated
with
light
radiation,
enabling
versatile
functionalities
such
as
catching,
twisting,
gripping.
We
hope
that
fabrication
presented
provides
new
insights
preparing
fibers,
offering
valuable
reference
application
materials.
