Tunable Response in Liquid Crystalline Elastomers for Complex and Reprogrammable Actuations

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are functional materials capable of large, complex deformation. The deformation of LCEs is contingent on both the properties of the polymer network and liquid crystalline phase behavior of mesogenic segments. In order to realize functional use of LCEs in applications such as soft robotics, we detail adaption of LCE material chemistry and processing to enhance the magnitude of stimuli-response. We first explore fundamental aspects such as manipulation of intermolecular interactions, crosslinking conditions, and network structure as related to performance of the LCEs in response to various stimuli. Findings from these fundamental studies allow for precise tuning of material properties and, analogously, the responsive nature of the LCE.<br/>Informed by this understanding, new approaches to pattern spatial deformation of LCEs are realized. In one instance, the stimuli-response of the LCEs can be made more complex through techniques such as bonding of multiple LCEs with differing properties. In another approach, we achieve selective spatial patterning of properties within a single material. The complexity of tunable response allows for programming of functional behavior that manifests as various forms of locomotion as well as the opportunity to reprogram deformations for desired applications.