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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Yang J, Wang X. Beyond Color Boundaries: Pioneering Developments in Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Photonic Actuators. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:808. [PMID: 38930778 PMCID: PMC11205596 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Creatures in nature make extensive use of structural color adaptive camouflage to survive. Cholesteric liquid crystals, with nanostructures similar to those of natural organisms, can be combined with actuators to produce bright structural colors in response to a wide range of stimuli. Structural colors modulated by nano-helical structures can continuously and selectively reflect specific wavelengths of light, breaking the limit of colors recognizable by the human eye. In this review, the current state of research on cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators and their technological applications is presented. First, the basic concepts of cholesteric liquid crystals and their nanostructural modulation are outlined. Then, the cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators responding to different stimuli (mechanical, thermal, electrical, light, humidity, magnetic, pneumatic) are presented. This review describes the practical applications of cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators and summarizes the prospects for the development of these advanced structures as well as the challenges and their promising applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Yexiaotong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Jiaxing Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Xinye Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
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2
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Wang M, Liu K, Wang X, Shang Z, Liu Y, Pan N, Sun X, Xu W. Limbal stem cells carried by a four-dimensional -printed chitosan-based scaffold for corneal epithelium injury in diabetic rabbits. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1285850. [PMID: 38887317 PMCID: PMC11180886 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1285850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Methods: Herein, we obtained and characterized deltaN p63- and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette subfamily G member 2-expressing limbal stem cells (LSCs). Chitosan and carboxymethyl chitosan (CTH) were cross-linked to be an in situ thermosensitive hydrogel (ACH), which was printed through four-dimensional (4D) printing to obtain a porous carrier with uniform pore diameter (4D-CTH). Rabbits were injected with alloxan to induce diabetes mellitus (DM). Following this, the LSC-carrying hydrogel was spread on the surface of the cornea of the diabetic rabbits to cure corneal epithelium injury. Results: Compared with the control group (LSCs only), rapid wound healing was observed in rabbits treated with LSC-carrying 4D-CTH. Furthermore, the test group also showed better corneal nerve repair ability. The results indicated the potential of LSC-carrying 4D-CTH in curing corneal epithelium injury. Conclusion: 4D-CTH holds potential as a useful tool for studying regenerative processes occurring during the treatment of various diabetic corneal epithelium pathologies with the use of stem cell-based technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Wang
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kaibin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhen Shang
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yiming Liu
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Nailong Pan
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xueqing Sun
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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3
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Zhou X, Chen G, Jin B, Feng H, Chen Z, Fang M, Yang B, Xiao R, Xie T, Zheng N. Multimodal Autonomous Locomotion of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Soft Robot. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2402358. [PMID: 38520731 PMCID: PMC11187929 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Self-oscillation phenomena observed in nature serve as extraordinary inspiration for designing synthetic autonomous moving systems. Converting self-oscillation into designable self-sustained locomotion can lead to a new generation of soft robots that require minimal/no external control. However, such locomotion is typically constrained to a single mode dictated by the constant surrounding environment. In this study, a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) robot capable of achieving self-sustained multimodal locomotion, with the specific motion mode being controlled via substrate adhesion or remote light stimulation is presented. Specifically, the LCE is mechanically trained to undergo repeated snapping actions to ensure its self-sustained rolling motion in a constant gradient thermal field atop a hotplate. By further fine-tuning the substrate adhesion, the LCE robot exhibits reversible transitions between rolling and jumping modes. In addition, the rolling motion can be manipulated in real time through light stimulation to perform other diverse motions including turning, decelerating, stopping, backing up, and steering around complex obstacles. The principle of introducing an on-demand gate control offers a new venue for designing future autonomous soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Guancong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Binjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Haijun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Zike Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsKey Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of Engineering MechanicsZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Mengqi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Bo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Rui Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsKey Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of Engineering MechanicsZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Ning Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
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Yang J, Shankar MR, Zeng H. Photochemically responsive polymer films enable tunable gliding flights. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4684. [PMID: 38824184 PMCID: PMC11144244 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49108-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Miniaturized passive fliers based on smart materials face challenges in precise control of shape-morphing for aerodynamics and contactless modulation of diverse gliding modes. Here, we present the optical control of gliding performances in azobenzene-crosslinked liquid crystal networks films through photochemical actuation, enabling reversible and bistable shape-morphing. First, an actuator film is integrated with additive constructs to form a rotating glider, inspired by the natural maple samara, surpassing natural counterparts in reversibly optical tuning of terminal velocity, rotational rate, and circling position. We demonstrate optical modulation dispersion of landing points for the photo-responsive microfliers indoors and outdoors. Secondly, we show the scalability of polymer film geometry for miniature gliders with similar light tunability. Thirdly, we extend the material platform to other three gliding modes: Javan cucumber seed-like glider, parachute and artificial dandelion seed. The findings pave the way for distributed microflier with contactless flight dynamics control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Yang
- Light Robots, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, Finland
| | - M Ravi Shankar
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hao Zeng
- Light Robots, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, Finland.
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Long G, Deng Y, Zhao W, Zhou G, Broer DJ, Feringa BL, Chen J. Photoresponsive Biomimetic Functions by Light-Driven Molecular Motors in Three Dimensionally Printed Liquid Crystal Elastomers. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:13894-13902. [PMID: 38728606 PMCID: PMC11117400 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite the fascinating developments in design and synthesis of artificial molecular machines operating at the nanoscales, translating molecular motion along multiple length scales and inducing mechanical motion of a three-dimensional macroscopic entity remains an important challenge. The key to addressing this amplification of motion relies on the effective organization of molecular machines in a well-defined environment. By taking advantage of long-range orientational order and hierarchical structures of liquid crystals and unidirectional rotation of light-driven molecular motors, we report here photoresponsive biomimetic functions of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) by the repetitive unidirectional rotation of molecular motors using 3D printing. Molecular motors were built in the main chain of liquid crystals oligomers to serve as photoactuators. The oligomers were then used as the ink, and liquid crystal elastomers with different morphologies were printed. The obtained LCEs are able to conduct multiple types of motions including bending, helical coiling, closing of petals, and flipping of wings of a butterfly upon UV illumination, which paves the way for future design of responsive materials with enhanced complex actuating functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiying Long
- SCNU-UG
International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays,
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Yanping Deng
- SCNU-UG
International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays,
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- SCNU-TUE
Joint lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology
& Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy
of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China
Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guofu Zhou
- SCNU-UG
International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays,
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- SCNU-TUE
Joint lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology
& Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy
of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China
Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dirk J. Broer
- SCNU-TUE
Joint lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology
& Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy
of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China
Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Stimuli-responsive
Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Ben L. Feringa
- SCNU-UG
International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays,
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Jiawen Chen
- SCNU-UG
International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays,
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Maillot B, Audibert JF, Miomandre F, Brasiliense V. Nanometrology based control: taming radical grafting reactions with attoliter precision. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:7594-7602. [PMID: 38506368 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06324k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Precisely controlled micropatterning with organic moieties is a promising route for designing smart surfaces, enabling the development of microsensors and actuators with optimal usage of reactants. Such applications require fine control over the surface modification process, which in turn demands detailed knowledge about the surface modification process. As complex surface kinetics often emerge as a result of even slight modifications of the grafting entity, non-invasive, sensitive and precise closed loop control strategies are highly desirable. In this paper we demonstrate that a nanometrology approach based on quantitative phase imaging (QPI) fulfill all these requirements. We first use the technique to monitor surface photografting kinetics of aryl radicals, comprehensively analyzing the effect of substituents on surface addition reactions. We demonstrate that several aspects of the grafting process are affected in complex ways, rendering open-loop strategies impossible to implement precisely. Then, we show that the operando optical phase signal can be used as a direct feedback, guiding the grafting reaction process. Using relatively simple instrumentation, we demonstrate that general and precise control strategies can be designed and used to control the volume of the grafting material with attoliter precision, in spite of radically different surface modification kinetics spanning several orders of magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Maillot
- Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, PPSM, 4 avenue des sciences, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Jean-Frédéric Audibert
- Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, PPSM, 4 avenue des sciences, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Fabien Miomandre
- Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, PPSM, 4 avenue des sciences, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Vitor Brasiliense
- Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, PPSM, 4 avenue des sciences, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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7
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Jin B, Chen G, Chen Y, Yang C, Zhu Z, Weng Y, Zhao Q, Xie T. Reprogramming Photoresponsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomer via Force-Directed Evaporation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:16844-16852. [PMID: 38517683 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c01076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Incorporating photothermal agents into thermoresponsive liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) offers remote and spatio-temporal control in actuation. Typically, both the light responsiveness and actuation behaviors are fixed since the agent doping and mesogen alignment are conducted before network formation. Here, we report an approach that enables programming photoresponsive LCEs after synthesis via force-directed evaporation. Different photothermal agents can be doped or removed by swelling the fully cross-linked LCEs in a specific solution, achieving the introduction and erasing of the photoresponsiveness. Moreover, the network swelling deletes the registered alignment, which allows for redefining the molecular order via re-evaporating the solvent with force imposed. This "one stone, two birds" strategy paves the way to simultaneously program/reprogram the actuation mode and responsiveness of LCEs, even in a spatio-selective manner to achieve complex actuations. Our approach is expandable to three-dimensional (3D) printed LCEs to access geometrically sophisticated shape-changing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Center for X-Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Guancong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yishu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Chen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Zhan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yunhao Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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8
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Xu R, Xu Q. A Survey of Recent Developments in Magnetic Microrobots for Micro-/Nano-Manipulation. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:468. [PMID: 38675279 PMCID: PMC11052276 DOI: 10.3390/mi15040468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Magnetically actuated microrobots have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their tiny size, untethered control, and rapid response capability. Moreover, an increasing number of researchers are applying them for micro-/nano-manipulation in the biomedical field. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in magnetic microrobots, focusing on materials, propulsion mechanisms, design strategies, fabrication techniques, and diverse micro-/nano-manipulation applications. The exploration of magnetic materials, biosafety considerations, and propulsion methods serves as a foundation for the diverse designs discussed in this review. The paper delves into the design categories, encompassing helical, surface, ciliary, scaffold, and biohybrid microrobots, with each demonstrating unique capabilities. Furthermore, various fabrication techniques, including direct laser writing, glancing angle deposition, biotemplating synthesis, template-assisted electrochemical deposition, and magnetic self-assembly, are examined owing to their contributions to the realization of magnetic microrobots. The potential impact of magnetic microrobots across multidisciplinary domains is presented through various application areas, such as drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, cell manipulation, and environmental remediation. This review highlights a comprehensive summary of the current challenges, hurdles to overcome, and future directions in magnetic microrobot research across different fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qingsong Xu
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China;
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Rešetič A. Shape programming of liquid crystal elastomers. Commun Chem 2024; 7:56. [PMID: 38485773 PMCID: PMC10940691 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01141-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are shape-morphing materials that demonstrate reversible actuation when exposed to external stimuli, such as light or heat. The actuation's complexity depends heavily on the instilled liquid crystal alignment, programmed into the material using various shape-programming processes. As an unavoidable part of LCE synthesis, these also introduce geometrical and output restrictions that dictate the final applicability. Considering LCE's future implementation in real-life applications, it is reasonable to explore these limiting factors. This review offers a brief overview of current shape-programming methods in relation to the challenges of employing LCEs as soft, shape-memory components in future devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andraž Rešetič
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Solid State Physics Department, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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10
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Wan X, Xiao Z, Tian Y, Chen M, Liu F, Wang D, Liu Y, Bartolo PJDS, Yan C, Shi Y, Zhao RR, Qi HJ, Zhou K. Recent Advances in 4D Printing of Advanced Materials and Structures for Functional Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2312263. [PMID: 38439193 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
4D printing has attracted tremendous worldwide attention during the past decade. This technology enables the shape, property, or functionality of printed structures to change with time in response to diverse external stimuli, making the original static structures alive. The revolutionary 4D-printing technology offers remarkable benefits in controlling geometric and functional reconfiguration, thereby showcasing immense potential across diverse fields, including biomedical engineering, electronics, robotics, and photonics. Here, a comprehensive review of the latest achievements in 4D printing using various types of materials and different additive manufacturing techniques is presented. The state-of-the-art strategies implemented in harnessing various 4D-printed structures are highlighted, which involve materials design, stimuli, functionalities, and applications. The machine learning approach explored for 4D printing is also discussed. Finally, the perspectives on the current challenges and future trends toward further development in 4D printing are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wan
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Zhongmin Xiao
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yujia Tian
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Mei Chen
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Paulo Jorge Da Silva Bartolo
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Chunze Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yusheng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Ruike Renee Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Hang Jerry Qi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Kun Zhou
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- HP-NTU Digital Manufacturing Corporate Lab, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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11
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Niu W, Li Z, Liang F, Zhang H, Liu X. Ultrastable, Superrobust, and Recyclable Supramolecular Polymer Networks. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318434. [PMID: 38234012 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Supramolecular polymer networks (SPNs), crosslinked by noncovalent bonds, have emerged as reorganizable and recyclable polymeric materials with unique functionality. However, poor stability is an imperative challenge faced by SPNs, because SPNs are susceptible to heat, water, and/or solvents due to the dynamic and reversible nature of noncovalent bonds. Herein, the design of a noncovalent cooperative network (NCoN) to simultaneously stabilize and reinforce SPNs is reported, resulting in an ultrastable, superrobust, and recyclable SPN. The NCoN is constructed by multiplying the H-bonding sites and tuning the conformation/geometry of the H-bonding segment to optimize the multivalence cooperativity of H-bonds. The rationally designed H-bonding segment with high conformational compliance favors the formation of tightly packed H-bond arrays comprising higher-density and stronger H-bonds. Consequently, the H-bonded crosslinks in the NCoN display a covalent crosslinking effect but retain on-demand dynamics and reversibility. The resultant ultrastable SPN not only displays remarkable resistance to heat up to 120 °C, water soaking, and a broad spectrum of solvents, but also possesses a superhigh true stress at break (1.1 GPa) and an ultrahigh toughness (406 MJ m-3 ). Despite the covalent-network-like stability, the SPN is recyclable through activating its reversibility in a high-polarity solvent heated to a threshold temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Zequan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Fengli Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Houyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Xiaokong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
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12
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Yang R, Wang Y, Yao H, Li Y, Chen L, Zhao Y, Wang YZ. Dynamic Shape Change of Liquid Crystal Polymer Based on An Order-Order Phase Transition. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202314859. [PMID: 38224179 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal actuators conventionally undergo shape changes across an order-disorder phase transition between liquid crystal (LC) and isotropic phases. In this study, we introduce an innovative Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) actuator harnessing an order-order LC phase transition mechanism. The LCP film is easily stretchable within the LC phase, facilitated by the π-π stacking of phenyl groups serving as robust physical crosslinking points, and thereby transforms to a stable monodomain structure. The resultant monodomain LCP actuator shows a distinctive reversible dynamic shape change, exhibiting extension followed by contraction along the LC director on cooling. The extension is propelled by the reversible smectic C to smectic A phase transition, and the contraction is attributed to the re-entry to the smectic C phase from smectic A phase. Thermal annealing temperature determines this peculiar dynamic shape change, which occurs during both heating and cooling processes. This pivotal attribute finds manifestation in gripper and flower-shaped actuators, adeptly executing grabbing and releasing as well as blooming and closure motions within a single thermal stimulation. In essence, our study introduces an innovative approach to the realm of LCP actuators, ushering in a new avenue for the design and fabrication of versatile and dynamically responsive LCP actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, P. R. China
| | - Yahui Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, P. R. China
| | - Hongjing Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, P. R. China
| | - Yanqing Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Département de chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1 K 2R1, Canada
| | - Yu-Zhong Wang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
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13
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Mahmood A, Perveen F, Chen S, Akram T, Irfan A. Polymer Composites in 3D/4D Printing: Materials, Advances, and Prospects. Molecules 2024; 29:319. [PMID: 38257232 PMCID: PMC10818632 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing, has revolutionized the manufacturing landscape by enabling the intricate layer-by-layer construction of three-dimensional objects. In contrast to traditional methods relying on molds and tools, AM provides the flexibility to fabricate diverse components directly from digital models without the need for physical alterations to machinery. Four-dimensional printing is a revolutionary extension of 3D printing that introduces the dimension of time, enabling dynamic transformations in printed structures over predetermined periods. This comprehensive review focuses on polymeric materials in 3D printing, exploring their versatile processing capabilities, environmental adaptability, and applications across thermoplastics, thermosetting materials, elastomers, polymer composites, shape memory polymers (SMPs), including liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), and self-healing polymers for 4D printing. This review also examines recent advancements in microvascular and encapsulation self-healing mechanisms, explores the potential of supramolecular polymers, and highlights the latest progress in hybrid printing using polymer-metal and polymer-ceramic composites. Finally, this paper offers insights into potential challenges faced in the additive manufacturing of polymer composites and suggests avenues for future research in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyaz Mahmood
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China;
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu 610054, China
- School of Art and Design, Guangzhou Panyu Polytechnic, Guangzhou 511483, China
- Dongguan Institute of Science and Technology Innovation, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Fouzia Perveen
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Shenggui Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China;
- School of Art and Design, Guangzhou Panyu Polytechnic, Guangzhou 511483, China
- Dongguan Institute of Science and Technology Innovation, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Tayyaba Akram
- Department of Physics, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Irfan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
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14
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An SC, Lim Y, Jun YC. Rapid and selective actuation of 3D-printed shape-memory composites via microwave heating. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18179. [PMID: 37875586 PMCID: PMC10598202 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45519-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing allows the fabrication of complex shapes with high resolutions. However, the printed structures typically have fixed shapes and functions. Four-dimensional printing allows the shapes of 3D-printed structures to be transformed in response to external stimuli. Among the external stimuli, light has unique advantages for remote thermal actuation. However, light absorption in opaque structures occurs only near the sample surface; thus, actuation can be slow. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate the rapid and selective actuation of 3D-printed shape-memory polymer (SMP) composites using microwave heating. The SMP composite filaments are prepared using different amounts of graphite flakes. Microwave radiation can penetrate the entire printed structures and induce rapid heating. With sufficient graphite contents, the printed SMP composites are heated above their glass transition temperature within a few seconds. This leads to rapid thermal actuation of the 3D-printed SMP structures. Finally, dual-material 3D printing is demonstrated to induce selective microwave heating and control actuation motion. Our experiments and simulations indicate that microwave heating of SMP composites can be an effective method for the rapid and selective actuation of complex structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Chan An
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonsoo Lim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Jun
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Lan R, Shen W, Yao W, Chen J, Chen X, Yang H. Bioinspired humidity-responsive liquid crystalline materials: from adaptive soft actuators to visualized sensors and detectors. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:2824-2844. [PMID: 37211901 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00392b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Inspired by nature, humidity-responsive materials and devices have attracted significant interest from scientists in multiple disciplines, ranging from chemistry, physics and materials science to biomimetics. Owing to their superiorities, including harmless stimulus and untethered control, humidity-driven materials have been widely investigated for application in soft robots, smart sensors and detectors, biomimetic devices and anticounterfeiting labels. Especially, humidity-responsive liquid crystalline materials are particularly appealing due to the combination of programmable and adaptive liquid crystal matrix and humidity-controllability, enabling the fabrication of advanced self-adaptive robots and visualized sensors. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in humidity-driven liquid crystalline materials. First, a brief introduction of liquid crystal materials, including liquid crystalline polymers, cholesteric liquid crystals, blue-phase liquid crystals and cholesteric cellulose nanocrystals is provided. Subsequently, the mechanisms of humidity-responsiveness are presented, followed by the diverse strategies for the fabrication of humidity-responsive liquid crystalline materials. The applications of humidity-driven devices will be presented ranging from soft actuators to visualized sensors and detectors. Finally, we provide an outlook on the development of humidity-driven liquid crystalline materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Lan
- Institute of Advanced Materials & Key Lab of Fluorine and Silicon for Energy Materials and Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China.
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Wenbo Shen
- Hangzhou WITLANCE Technology Co. Ltd, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Wenhuan Yao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Institute of Advanced Materials & Key Lab of Fluorine and Silicon for Energy Materials and Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China.
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Institute of Advanced Materials & Key Lab of Fluorine and Silicon for Energy Materials and Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China.
| | - Huai Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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16
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Touchet-Valle E, Tasmim S, Ware TH, McDougall MP. Evaluation of Low-Loss Polymer Switches for Multinuclear MRI/S . ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-5. [PMID: 38083302 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Implementation of multinuclear MRI/S as a diagnostic tool in clinical settings faces many challenges. One of those challenges is the development of highly sensitive multinuclear RF coils. Current multi-tuning techniques incorporate lossy components that impact the highest achievable SNR for at least one of the coil frequencies. As a result, optimization of multinuclear coil designs continues to be a priority for RF hardware engineers. To address this challenge, a new frequency switching technology that incorporates stimuli-responsive polymer materials was explored. Q measurements were used as a comparison metric between single-tuned, a standard switching network, and the proposed switching technology. The Q losses measured in the new switching method remained below 38% when compared to single-tuned coils. These results are consistent with low loss values reported using traditional switching networks. Furthermore, preliminary testing indicates that there is potential for improvement. These results establish the new technology as a promising alternative to traditional switching techniques.Clinical Relevance- A low loss multi-tuning technique for MRI radiofrequency coils has the potential of improving the study and diagnosis of disease.
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17
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Luu K, Park SY. Shape-Persistent Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Cis-Stable Crosslinkers Containing Ortho-Methyl-Substituted Azobenzene. Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Khuong Luu
- School of Applied Chemical Engineering, Polymeric Nanomaterials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Young Park
- School of Applied Chemical Engineering, Polymeric Nanomaterials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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18
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Jin Z, Chen T, Liu Y, Feng W, Chen L, Wang C. Multivalent Design of Low-Entropy-Penalty Ion-Dipole Interactions for Dynamic Yet Thermostable Supramolecular Networks. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3526-3534. [PMID: 36718611 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic supramolecular networks are constantly accompanied by thermal instability. The fundamental reason is most reversible noncovalent bonds quickly decay at elevated temperatures and dissociate below 100 °C. Here, in this paper, we realize a reversible ion-dipole interaction with high-temperature stability exceeding 150 °C. The resultant supramolecular network can simultaneously possess mechanical strength of 1.32 MPa (14.8 times that of pristine material), dynamic self-healing capability, and a stable working temperature of up to 200 °C. From the prolonged characteristic relaxation time of 600 s even at 100 °C, our material represents one of the most thermally stable dynamic supramolecular polymers. These remarkable performances are achieved by using a new multivalent yet low-entropy-penalty molecular design. In this way, the noncovalent bond can reach a high enthalpy while minimizing the entropy-dominated thermal dissociations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhekai Jin
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China.,Institute of Smart City and Intelligent Transportation, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu610032, China
| | - Yuncong Liu
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Wenwen Feng
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
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19
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Chen J, Jiang J, Weber J, Gimenez-Pinto V, Peng C. Shape Morphing by Topological Patterns and Profiles in Laser-Cut Liquid Crystal Elastomer Kirigami. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:4538-4548. [PMID: 36637983 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c20295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Programming shape changes in soft materials requires precise control of the directionality and magnitude of their mechanical response. Among ordered soft materials, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) exhibit remarkable and programmable shape shifting when their molecular order changes. In this work, we synthesized, remotely programmed, and modeled reversible and complex morphing in monolithic LCE kirigami encoded with predesigned topological patterns in its microstructure. We obtained a rich variety of out-of-plane shape transformations, including auxetic structures and undulating morphologies, by combining different topological microstructures and kirigami geometries. The spatiotemporal shape-shifting behaviors are well recapitulated by elastodynamics simulations, revealing that the complex shape changes arise from integrating the custom-cut geometry with local director profiles defined by topological defects inscribed in the material. Different functionalities, such as a bioinspired fluttering butterfly, a flower bud, dual-rotation light mills, and dual-mode locomotion, are further realized. Our proposed LCE kirigami with topological patterns opens opportunities for the future development of multifunctional devices for soft robotics, flexible electronics, and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jinghua Jiang
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jada Weber
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, United States
| | - Vianney Gimenez-Pinto
- Physics and Chemistry, Department of Science, Technology and Mathematics, Lincoln University of Missouri, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101, United States
| | - Chenhui Peng
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, United States
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20
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Park M, Stricker F, Campos JG, Clark KD, Lee J, Kwon Y, Valentine MT, Read de Alaniz J. Design of Surface-Aligned Main-Chain Liquid-Crystal Networks Prepared under Ambient, Light-Free Conditions Using the Diels-Alder Cycloaddition. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:33-39. [PMID: 36541858 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Surface-aligned liquid-crystal networks (LCNs) offer a solution for developing functional materials capable of performing a range of tasks, including actuation, shape memory, and surfaces patterning. Here we show that Diels-Alder cycloaddition can be used to prepare the backbone of planar aligned LCNs under mild ambient conditions without the addition of additives or UV irradiation. The mechanical properties of the networks have robust viscoelastic modulus and stiffness with a reversible local free volume change upon physical aging. This study shows new opportunities to design surface-aligned LCNs based on additive free step-growth Diels-Alder polymerization and enables the potential to incorporate a wider range of photochromic materials into LCNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwook Park
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara 93106, California, United States
| | - Friedrich Stricker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara 93106, California, United States
| | - Jesus Guillen Campos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara 93106, California, United States
| | - Kyle D Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara 93106, California, United States
| | - Jaejun Lee
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghoon Kwon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara 93106, California, United States
| | - Megan T Valentine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara 93106, California, United States
| | - Javier Read de Alaniz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara 93106, California, United States
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21
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Kumar P, Bala I, De R, Kumar Pal S, Venkataramani S. Light Modulated Reversible "On-Off" Transformation of Arylazoheteroarene Based Discotics in Nematic Organization. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202202876. [PMID: 36205928 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Three benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) core-based molecular systems appended with phenylazo-3,5-dimethylisoxazole photoswitches at the peripheral position through variable-length alkoxy chains have been designed and synthesized. The supramolecular interactions of the mesogens provided discotic nematic liquid crystalline assembly as confirmed by polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Spectroscopic studies confirmed the reversible photoswitching and excellent thermal stability of the photoswitched states in solution phase and thin film. Also, atomic force microscopic (AFM) and POM investigations demonstrated the morphological changes in the self-assembly induced by the photoirradiation as monitored by the changes in the height profiles and optical appearance of the textures, respectively. Remarkably, the liquid crystalline discotic molecules showed reversible "on and off states" controlled by light at ambient temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravesh Kumar
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Knowledge City Manauli, 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Indu Bala
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Knowledge City Manauli, 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Ritobrata De
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Knowledge City Manauli, 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Santanu Kumar Pal
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Knowledge City Manauli, 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Sugumar Venkataramani
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Knowledge City Manauli, 140306, Punjab, India
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22
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Sekar MP, Budharaju H, Zennifer A, Sethuraman S, Sundaramurthi D. Four-dimension printing in healthcare. 3D Print Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-89831-7.00010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
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23
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Emerging 4D printing strategies for on-demand local actuation & micro printing of soft materials. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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24
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Gao J, He Y, Cong X, Yi H, Guo J. Reconfigurable Fluorescent Liquid Crystal Elastomers for Integrated Visual and Haptic Information Storage. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:53348-53358. [PMID: 36395006 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c17494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The rapid advancements in information technology require new information storage and display materials. However, the development of on-demand information storage systems with multiple modes remains a significant challenge. As a pioneering approach, this study designed an integrated visual and haptic information storage and display using a reconfigurable fluorescent liquid crystal elastomer (FLCE) with dynamic covalent bonds. The FLCEs were fabricated in two steps of amine-acrylate aza-Michael addition and photopolymerization, and they simultaneously exhibited phototunable fluorescence caused by the reversible Z/E photoisomerization of the chromophores and a reprogrammable shape owing to the catalyst-free transesterification. In addition, we established various information storage and display modes featuring the characteristics of reversibly photoswitchable fluorescence, shape memory, and thermally reconfigurable shape with a reconfigurable FLCE system. Moreover, a strategy to display the information by incorporating both visual and haptic feedback is implemented for fulfilling the needs of the visually impaired and related users. Such reconfigurable FLCE systems will aid in the development of on-demand information storage, display, and protection devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Gao
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing100029, China
| | - Yanrong He
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing100029, China
| | - Xiaoyang Cong
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing100029, China
| | - Huijie Yi
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing100029, China
| | - Jinbao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing100029, China
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25
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Li T, Liu Q, Qi H, Zhai W. Prestrain Programmable 4D Printing of Nanoceramic Composites with Bioinspired Microstructure. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2204032. [PMID: 36180413 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Four-dimensional (4D) printing enables programmable, predictable, and precise shape change of responsive materials to achieve desirable behaviors beyond conventional three-dimensional (3D) printing. However, applying 4D printing to ceramics remains challenging due to their intrinsic brittleness and inadequate stimuli-responsive ability. Here, this work proposes a conceptional combination of bioinspired microstructure design and a programmable prestrain approach for 4D printing of nanoceramics. To overcome the flexibility limitation, the bioinspired concentric cylinder structure in the struts of 3D printed lattices are replicated to develop origami nanoceramic composites with high inorganic content (95 wt%). Furthermore, 4D printing is achieved by applying a programmed prestrain to the printed lattices, enabling the desired deformation when the prestrain is released. Due to the bioinspired concentric cylinder microstructures, the printed flexible nanoceramic composites exhibit superior mechanical performance and anisotropic thermal management capability. Further, by introducing oxygen vacancies to the ceramic nanosheets, conductive nanoceramic composites are prepared with a unique sensing capability for various sensing applications. Hence, this research breaks through the limitation of ceramics in 4D printing and achieves high-performance shape morphing materials for applications under extreme conditions, such as space exploration and high-temperature systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Quyang Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Haobo Qi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Wei Zhai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
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26
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Hebner TS, Kirkpatrick BE, Anseth KS, Bowman CN, White TJ. Surface-Enforced Alignment of Reprogrammable Liquid Crystalline Elastomers. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2204003. [PMID: 35988144 PMCID: PMC9561760 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are stimuli-responsive materials capable of undergoing large deformations. The thermomechanical response of LCEs is attributable to the coupling of polymer network properties and disruption of order between liquid crystalline mesogens. Complex deformations have been realized in LCEs by either programming the nematic director via surface-enforced alignment or localized mechanical deformation in materials incorporating dynamic covalent chemistries. Here, the preparation of LCEs via thiol-Michael addition reaction is reported that are amenable to surface-enforced alignment. Afforded by the thiol-Michael addition reaction, dynamic covalent bonds are uniquely incorporated in chemistries subject to surface-enforce alignment. Accordingly, LCEs prepared with complex director profiles are able to be programmed and reprogrammed by (re)activating the dynamic covalent chemistry to realize distinctive shape transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayler S. Hebner
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
- Medical Scientist Training ProgramUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraCO80045USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
| | - Christopher N. Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
| | - Timothy J. White
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
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27
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Ding A, Lee SJ, Tang R, Gasvoda KL, He F, Alsberg E. 4D Cell-Condensate Bioprinting. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2202196. [PMID: 35973946 PMCID: PMC9463124 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
4D bioprinting techniques that facilitate formation of shape-changing scaffold-free cell condensates with prescribed geometries have yet been demonstrated. Here, a simple 4D bioprinting approach is presented that enables formation of a shape-morphing cell condensate-laden bilayer system. The strategy produces scaffold-free cell condensates which morph over time into predefined complex shapes. Cell condensate-laden bilayers with specific geometries are readily fabricated by bioprinting technologies. The bilayers have tunable deformability and microgel (MG) degradation, enabling controllable morphological transformations and on-demand liberation of deformed cell condensates. With this system, large cell condensate-laden constructs with various complex shapes are obtained. As a proof-of-concept study, the formation of the letter "C"- and helix-shaped robust cartilage-like tissues differentiated from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is demonstrated. This system brings about a versatile 4D bioprinting platform idea that is anticipated to broaden and facilitate the applications of cell condensation-based 4D bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixiang Ding
- The Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE, Future Technologies), Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
| | - Sang Jin Lee
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
| | - Rui Tang
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
| | - Kaelyn L Gasvoda
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
| | - Felicia He
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
| | - Eben Alsberg
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
- Departments of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Orthopaedics, and Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S. Wolcott Ave., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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28
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Bauman GE, McCracken JM, White TJ. Actuation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers at or Below Ambient Temperature. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202202577. [PMID: 35482590 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202202577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) are an emerging class of material actuators. LCE undergo macroscopic dimensional changes when subjected to a stimulus. The large stimuli-response of LCE is associated with thermotropic disruption of order. Historically, comparatively high temperatures are required to disrupt orientation in LCE to achieve meaningful work output. Here, we introduce an approach to prepare LCE via thiol-Michael/thiol-ene reactions that actuate at or below ambient temperature. Alignment was imparted to the LCE by mechanical alignment and 3D printing. The LCE materials detailed here achieve strains of 40 % with a maximum deformation rate of 6.5 % °C-1 . The functional utility of the tunability of the thermotropic response of these materials is illustrated in reconfiguration triggered via body heat and sequential actuation of a multi-material element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant E Bauman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Joselle M McCracken
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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29
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Lugger SJD, Verbroekken RMC, Mulder DJ, Schenning APHJ. Direct Ink Writing of Recyclable Supramolecular Soft Actuators. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:935-940. [PMID: 35802869 PMCID: PMC9301911 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Direct ink writing (DIW) of liquid crystal elastomers
(LCEs) has
rapidly paved its way into the field of soft actuators and other stimuli-responsive
devices. However, currently used LCE systems for DIW require postprinting
(photo)polymerization, thereby forming a covalent network, making
the process time-consuming and the material nonrecyclable. In this
work, a DIW approach is developed for printing a supramolecular poly(thio)urethane
LCE to overcome these drawbacks of permanent cross-linking. The thermo-reversible
nature of the supramolecular cross-links enables the interplay between
melt-processable behavior required for extrusion and formation of
the network to fix the alignment. After printing, the actuators demonstrated
a reversible contraction of 12.7% or bending and curling motions when
printed on a passive substrate. The thermoplastic ink enables recyclability,
as shown by cutting and printing the actuators five times. However,
the actuation performance diminishes. This work highlights the potential
of supramolecular LCE inks for DIW soft circular actuators and other
devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J D Lugger
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth M C Verbroekken
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Mulder
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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30
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Xiao YY, Jiang ZC, Hou JB, Chen XS, Zhao Y. Electrically driven liquid crystal network actuators. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:4850-4867. [PMID: 35730498 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00544a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators based on liquid crystal networks (LCNs) have aroused great scientific interest for use as stimuli-controlled shape-changing and moving components for robotic devices due to their fast, large, programmable and solvent-free actuation responses. Recently, various LCN actuators have been implemented in soft robotics using stimulus sources such as heat, light, humidity and chemical reactions. Among them, electrically driven LCN actuators allow easy modulation and programming of the input electrical signals (amplitude, phase, and frequency) as well as stimulation throughout the volume, rendering them promising actuators for practical applications. Herein, the progress of electrically driven LCN actuators regarding their construction, actuation mechanisms, actuation performance, actuation programmability and the design strategies for intelligent systems is elucidated. We also discuss new robotic functions and advanced actuation control. Finally, an outlook is provided, highlighting the research challenges faced with this type of actuator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Yu Xiao
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Zhi-Chao Jiang
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Jun-Bo Hou
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Xin-Shi Chen
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Yue Zhao
- Département de Chimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
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31
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Guan Z, Wang L, Bae J. Advances in 4D printing of liquid crystalline elastomers: materials, techniques, and applications. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:1825-1849. [PMID: 35504034 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh00232a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are polymer networks exhibiting anisotropic liquid crystallinity while maintaining elastomeric properties. Owing to diverse polymeric forms and self-alignment molecular behaviors, LCEs have fascinated state-of-the-art efforts in various disciplines other than the traditional low-molar-mass display market. By patterning order to structures, LCEs demonstrate reversible high-speed and large-scale actuations in response to external stimuli, allowing for close integration with 4D printing and architectures of digital devices, which is scarcely observed in homogeneous soft polymer networks. In this review, we collect recent advances in 4D printing of LCEs, with emphases on synthesis and processing methods that enable microscopic changes in the molecular orientation and hence macroscopic changes in the properties of end-use objects. Promising potentials of printed complexes include fields of soft robotics, optics, and biomedical devices. Within this scope, we elucidate the relationships among external stimuli, tailorable morphologies in mesophases of liquid crystals, and programmable topological configurations of printed parts. Lastly, perspectives and potential challenges facing 4D printing of LCEs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhecun Guan
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China.
| | - Jinhye Bae
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Chemical Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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32
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Feng F, Duffy D, Warner M, Biggins JS. Interfacial metric mechanics: stitching patterns of shape change in active sheets. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2022; 478:20220230. [PMID: 35814332 PMCID: PMC9240917 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2022.0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A flat sheet programmed with a planar pattern of spontaneous shape change will morph into a curved surface. Such metric mechanics is seen in growing biological sheets, and may be engineered in actuating soft matter sheets such as phase-changing liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), swelling gels and inflating baromorphs. Here, we show how to combine multiple patterns in a sheet by stitching regions of different shape changes together piecewise along interfaces. This approach allows simple patterns to be used as building blocks, and enables the design of multi-material or active/passive sheets. We give a general condition for an interface to be geometrically compatible, and explore its consequences for LCE/LCE, gel/gel and active/passive interfaces. In contraction/elongation systems such as LCEs, we find an infinite set of compatible interfaces between any pair of patterns along which the metric is discontinuous, and a finite number across which the metric is continuous. As an example, we find all possible interfaces between pairs of LCE logarithmic spiral patterns. By contrast, in isotropic systems such as swelling gels, only a finite number of continuous interfaces are available, greatly limiting the potential of stitching. In both continuous and discontinuous cases, we find the stitched interfaces generically carry singular Gaussian curvature, leading to intrinsically curved folds in the actuated surface. We give a general expression for the distribution of this curvature, and a more specialized form for interfaces in LCE patterns. The interfaces thus also have rich geometric and mechanical properties in their own right.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Feng
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Daniel Duffy
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Mark Warner
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - John S. Biggins
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
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33
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Bauman GE, McCracken JM, White TJ. Actuation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers at or Below Ambient Temperature. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202202577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Grant E. Bauman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder 596 UCB Boulder CO 80309 USA
| | - Joselle M. McCracken
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder 596 UCB Boulder CO 80309 USA
| | - Timothy J. White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder 596 UCB Boulder CO 80309 USA
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34
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Zhao W, Yan Y, Chen X, Wang T. Combining printing and nanoparticle assembly: Methodology and application of nanoparticle patterning. Innovation (N Y) 2022; 3:100253. [PMID: 35602121 PMCID: PMC9117940 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2022.100253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional nanoparticles (NPs) with unique photoelectric, mechanical, magnetic, and chemical properties have attracted considerable attention. Aggregated NPs rather than individual NPs are generally required for sensing, electronics, and catalysis. However, the transformation of functional NP aggregates into scalable, controllable, and affordable functional devices remains challenging. Printing is a promising additive manufacturing technology for fabricating devices from NP building blocks because of its capabilities for rapid prototyping and versatile multifunctional manufacturing. This paper reviews recent advances in NP patterning based on the combination of self-assembly and printing technologies (including two-, three-, and four-dimensional printing), introduces the basic characteristics of these methods, and discusses various fields of NP patterning applications. Nanoparticles (NPs) printing assembly is a good solution for patterned devices NPs assembly can be combined with 2D, 3D, and 4D printing technologies A variety of ink-dispersed NPs are available for printing assembly NPs printing assembly technology is applied for nanosensing, energy storage, photodetector
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Life and Health Research Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Yanling Yan
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Province Industrial Technology Research Institute of Resources and Materials, Key Laboratory of Advanced Material Processing & Mold (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Life and Health Research Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Life and Health Research Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Tie Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Life and Health Research Institute, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
- Corresponding author
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35
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Hu J, Yu M, Wang M, Choy KL, Yu H. Design, Regulation, and Applications of Soft Actuators Based on Liquid-Crystalline Polymers and Their Composites. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:12951-12963. [PMID: 35259869 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c25103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators designed from stimuli-responsive polymers often possess a certain amount of bionic functionality because of their versatile deformation. Liquid-crystalline polymers (LCPs) and their composites are among the most fascinating materials for soft actuators due to their great advantages of flexible structure design and easy regulation. In this Spotlight on Applications, we mainly focus on our group's latest research progress in soft actuators based on LCPs and their composites. Some representative research findings from other groups are also included for a better understanding of this research field. Above all, the essential principles for the responsive behavior and reconfigurable performance of the soft actuators are discussed, from the perspective of material morphology and structure design. Further on, we analyze recent work on how to precisely regulate the responsive modes and quantify the operating parameters of soft actuators. Finally, some application examples are given to demonstrate well-designed soft actuators with different functions under varied working environments, which is expected to provide inspiration for future research in developing more intelligent and multifunctional integrated soft actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, People's Republic of China
- Institute of New Structural Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingming Yu
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingqing Wang
- Institute for Materials Discovery, University College of London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| | - Kwang-Leong Choy
- Institute for Materials Discovery, University College of London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| | - Haifeng Yu
- Institute of New Structural Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
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36
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Hebner TS, Podgórski M, Mavila S, White TJ, Bowman CN. Shape Permanence in Diarylethene-Functionalized Liquid-Crystal Elastomers Facilitated by Thiol-Anhydride Dynamic Chemistry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202116522. [PMID: 35023253 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202116522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Diarylethene-functionalized liquid-crystalline elastomers (DAE-LCEs) containing thiol-anhydride bonds were prepared and shown to undergo reversible, reprogrammable photoinduced actuation. Upon exposure to UV light, a monodomain DAE-LCE generated 5.5 % strain. This photogenerated strain was demonstrated to be optically reversible over five cycles of alternating UV/Visible light exposure with minimal photochrome fatigue. The incorporation of thiol-anhydride dynamic bonds allowed for retention of actuated states. Further, re-programming of the nematic director was achieved by heating above the temperature for bond exchange to occur (70 °C) yet below the nematic-to-isotropic transition temperature (100 °C) such that order was maintained between mesogens. The observed thermal stability of each of the diarylethene isomers of over 72 h allowed for decoupling of photo-induced processes and polymer network effects, showing that both polymer relaxation and back-isomerization of the diarylethene contributed to LCE relaxation over a period of 12 hours after actuation unless bond exchange occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayler S Hebner
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Maciej Podgórski
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.,Department of Polymer Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklowdowska University, M. Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 5, 20-031, Lublin, Poland
| | - Sudheendran Mavila
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.,Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.,Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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37
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Mallakpour S, Tabesh F, Hussain CM. A new trend of using poly(vinyl alcohol) in 3D and 4D printing technologies: Process and applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 301:102605. [PMID: 35144173 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2022.102605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recently, 3D/4D printing technologies have been the researchers' interest, and they are getting improved more important. They are applicable in various fields like medical fields, pharmaceutics, construction, tissue engineering, dentistry, water treatment, etc. These technologies overcame the difficulty of the conventional methods in producing complicated structures. They can be fed by different materials such as nanomaterials, smart polymers, responsive polymers, metamaterials, synthetic polymers, natural polymers, and so forth. One of the smart and stimuli-responsive polymers is poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). In addition to numerous applications of PVA like medicine, environmental fields, etc., researchers are showing a tendency to use PVA in 3D/4D printing technologies. The main reasons for PVA's increased interest in 3D/4D printing technologies are suitable flowability, stimuli-responsivity, extrudability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and other features. This review aims to introduce the 3D/4D printing technologies' knowledge and then the applications of PVA as a feed in these novel technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadpour Mallakpour
- Organic Polymer Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Farbod Tabesh
- Organic Polymer Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark N J 07102, USA
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38
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O'Donnell A, Salimi S, Hart L, Babra T, Greenland B, Hayes W. Applications of supramolecular polymer networks. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2022.105209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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39
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Lee S, Bang D, Park JO, Choi E. Programmed Shape-Morphing Material Using Single-Layer 4D Printing System. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020243. [PMID: 35208367 PMCID: PMC8877839 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The single-layer 4D printing technology that can be controllable in response to external stimuli is a tremendous challenge in many areas, including smart materials, robotics, and drug delivery systems. The single-layer 4D printing technique was enabled by light-focusing, which results in the difference of mechanical properties such as the coefficient of thermal expansion or Young’s modulus between focused and unfocused regions. However, 4D printing to the desired shape using single-layered material is challenging. In this paper, we demonstrate the programmed shape morphing by patterning both the static and shape-morphing layers using a single-layer 4D printing system. A shape-morphing layer is formulated by short-time (<3 s) illumination in UV light. Then a static layer is formulated by longer-time (>3 s) illumination in UV light. We expect this technique to lead to the development of micro-scale soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonjin Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea;
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics, Gwangju 61011, Korea
| | - Doyeon Bang
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics, Gwangju 61011, Korea
- College of AI Convergence, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
- Correspondence: (D.B.); (J.-O.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Jong-Oh Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea;
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics, Gwangju 61011, Korea
- Correspondence: (D.B.); (J.-O.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Eunpyo Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea;
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics, Gwangju 61011, Korea
- Correspondence: (D.B.); (J.-O.P.); (E.C.)
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40
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Hebner TS, Podgórski M, Mavila S, White TJ, Bowman CN. Shape Permanence in Diarylethene‐Functionalized Liquid Crystal Elastomers Facilitated by Thiol‐Anhydride Dynamic Chemistry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202116522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tayler S. Hebner
- University of Colorado Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering 596 UCB 80309 Boulder UNITED STATES
| | - Maciej Podgórski
- University of Colorado Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering UNITED STATES
| | - Sudheendran Mavila
- University of Colorado Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering UNITED STATES
| | - Timothy J. White
- University of Colorado Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering UNITED STATES
| | - Christopher N. Bowman
- University of Colorado Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Campus Box 596, JSCBB Building 80309-0596 Boulder UNITED STATES
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41
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Del Pozo M, Sol JAHP, Schenning APHJ, Debije MG. 4D Printing of Liquid Crystals: What's Right for Me? ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2104390. [PMID: 34716625 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202104390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen major advances in the developments of both additive manufacturing concepts and responsive materials. When combined as 4D printing, the process can lead to functional materials and devices for use in health, energy generation, sensing, and soft robots. Among responsive materials, liquid crystals, which can deliver programmed, reversible, rapid responses in both air and underwater, are a prime contender for additive manufacturing, given their ease of use and adaptability to many different applications. In this paper, selected works are compared and analyzed to come to a didactical overview of the liquid crystal-additive manufacturing junction. Reading from front to back gives the reader a comprehensive understanding of the options and challenges in the field, while researchers already experienced in either liquid crystals or additive manufacturing are encouraged to scan through the text to see how they can incorporate additive manufacturing or liquid crystals into their own work. The educational text is closed with proposals for future research in this crossover field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Del Pozo
- Laboratory for Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen A H P Sol
- Laboratory for Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Laboratory for Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Michael G Debije
- Laboratory for Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
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42
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Jiang J, Han L, Ge F, Xiao Y, Cheng R, Tong X, Zhao Y. Porous Liquid Crystalline Networks with Hydrogel-Like Actuation and Reconfigurable Function. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202116689. [PMID: 34970834 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202116689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A porous liquid crystalline network (LCN), prepared using a template method, was found to exhibit peculiar actuation functions. The creation of porosity makes the initially hydrophobic LCN behave like a hydrogel, capable of absorbing a large volume of water (up to ten times the sample size of LCN). When the amount of absorbed water is relatively small (about 100% swelling ratio), the porous LCN displays anisotropic swelling in water and, in the same time, the retained uniaxial alignment of mesogens ensures thermally induced shape change associated with LC-isotropic phase transition. Combining the characteristic actuation mechanisms of LCN (order-disorder transition of mesogens) and hydrogel (water absorption), such porous LCN can be explored for versatile stimuli-triggered shape transformations. Moreover, the porosity enables loading/removal/reloading of functional fillers such as ionic liquid, photothermal dye and fluorophore, which imparts a same porous LCN actuator with reconfigurable functions such as ionic conductivity, light-driven locomotion, and emissive color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke, Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Sherbrooke, J1K2R1, Sherbrooke, CANADA
| | - Li Han
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke, Chemistry, CANADA
| | - Feijie Ge
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke, Chemistry, CANADA
| | - Yaoyu Xiao
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke, Chemistry, CANADA
| | - Ruidong Cheng
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke, Chemistry, CANADA
| | - Xia Tong
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke, Chemistry, CANADA
| | - Yue Zhao
- University of Sherbrooke, Department of Chemistry, Blvd. Universite, J1K 2R1, Sherbrooke, CANADA
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43
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Jiang J, Han L, Ge F, Xiao Y, Cheng R, Tong X, Zhao Y. Porous Liquid Crystalline Networks with Hydrogel‐Like Actuation and Reconfigurable Function. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202116689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke Chemistry Department of ChemistryUniversity of Sherbrooke J1K2R1 Sherbrooke CANADA
| | - Li Han
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke Chemistry CANADA
| | - Feijie Ge
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke Chemistry CANADA
| | - Yaoyu Xiao
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke Chemistry CANADA
| | - Ruidong Cheng
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke Chemistry CANADA
| | - Xia Tong
- Université de Sherbrooke: Universite de Sherbrooke Chemistry CANADA
| | - Yue Zhao
- University of Sherbrooke Department of Chemistry Blvd. Universite J1K 2R1 Sherbrooke CANADA
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44
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Zhang C, Lu X, Wang Z, Xia H. Progress in Utilizing Dynamic Bonds to Fabricate Structurally Adaptive Self-Healing, Shape Memory, and Liquid Crystal Polymers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 43:e2100768. [PMID: 34964192 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive structurally dynamic polymers are capable of mimicking the biological systems to adapt themselves to the surrounding environmental changes and subsequently exhibiting a wide range of responses ranging from self-healing to complex shape-morphing. Dynamic self-healing polymers (SHPs), shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), which are three representative examples of stimuli-responsive structurally dynamic polymers, have been attracting broad and growing interest in recent years because of their potential applications in the fields of electronic skin, sensors, soft robots, artificial muscles, and so on. We review recent advances and challenges in the developments towards dynamic SHPs, SMPs and LCEs, focusing on the chemistry strategies and the dynamic reaction mechanisms that enhance the performances of the materials including self-healing, reprocessing and reprogramming. We compare and discuss the different dynamic chemistries and their mechanisms on the enhanced functions of the materials, where three summary tables are presented: a library of dynamic bonds and the resulting characteristics of the materials. Finally, we provide a critical outline of the unresolved issues and future perspectives on the emerging developments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xili Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Zhanhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Hesheng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
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Abstract
Smart soft materials are envisioned to be the building blocks of the next generation of advanced devices and digitally augmented technologies. In this context, liquid crystals (LCs) owing to their responsive and adaptive attributes could serve as promising smart soft materials. LCs played a critical role in revolutionizing the information display industry in the 20th century. However, in the turn of the 21st century, numerous beyond-display applications of LCs have been demonstrated, which elegantly exploit their controllable stimuli-responsive and adaptive characteristics. For these applications, new LC materials have been rationally designed and developed. In this Review, we present the recent developments in light driven chiral LCs, i.e., cholesteric and blue phases, LC based smart windows that control the entrance of heat and light from outdoor to the interior of buildings and built environments depending on the weather conditions, LC elastomers for bioinspired, biological, and actuator applications, LC based biosensors for detection of proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses, LC based porous membranes for the separation of ions, molecules, and microbes, living LCs, and LCs under macro- and nanoscopic confinement. The Review concludes with a summary and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for LCs as smart soft materials. This Review is anticipated to stimulate eclectic ideas toward the implementation of the nature's delicate phase of matter in future generations of smart and augmented devices and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States.,Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Jiangsu Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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46
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Imrie
- School of Chemical Sciences The University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Dodd‐Walls Centre for Quantum and Photonic Technologies Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Jianyong Jin
- School of Chemical Sciences The University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Dodd‐Walls Centre for Quantum and Photonic Technologies Dunedin New Zealand
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Guo Y, Zhang J, Hu W, Khan MTA, Sitti M. Shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomer structures with arbitrary three-dimensional director fields and geometries. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5936. [PMID: 34642352 PMCID: PMC8511085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers exhibit large reversible strain and programmable shape transformations, enabling various applications in soft robotics, dynamic optics, and programmable origami and kirigami. The morphing modes of these materials depend on both their geometries and director fields. In two dimensions, a pixel-by-pixel design has been accomplished to attain more flexibility over the spatial resolution of the liquid crystal response. Here we generalize this idea in two steps. First, we create independent, cubic light-responsive voxels, each with a predefined director field orientation. Second, these voxels are in turn assembled to form lines, grids, or skeletal structures that would be rather difficult to obtain from an initially connected material sample. In this way, the orientation of the director fields can be made to vary at voxel resolution to allow for programmable optically- or thermally-triggered anisotropic or heterogeneous material responses and morphology changes in three dimensions that would be impossible or hard to implement otherwise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Guo
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, China
| | - Jiachen Zhang
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wenqi Hu
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Muhammad Turab Ali Khan
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland.
- School of Medicine and College of Engineering, Koç University, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Wang Z, Hou X, Duan N, Ren Y, Yan F. Shape- and Color-Switchable Polyurethane Thermochromic Actuators Based on Metal-Containing Ionic Liquids. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:28878-28888. [PMID: 34109779 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c06422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many creatures have excellent control over their form, color, and morphology, allowing them to respond to the interaction of environmental stimuli better. Here, the bioinspired synergistic shape-color-switchable actuators based on thermally induced shape-memory triethanolamine cross-linked polyurethane (TEAPU) and thermochromic ionic liquids (ILs) were prepared. The thermochromic ILs with various metalized anions, including bis(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) tetrachloro nickelate ([Bmim]2[NiCl4]) and bis(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) tetrachloride cobalt ([Bmim]2[CoCl4]), are investigated. The actuators exhibit thermochromic response, as evidenced by a shift in the color of the composites, which is due to the formation of the tetrahedral complex MCl42- (M = Ni and Co) after dehydration. The shape-color-switchable thermochromic actuators have strong molecular interaction between TEAPU and ILs and can mimic natural flowers and change the color and shape quickly in a narrow temperature range (30-70 °C). In addition, these thermochromic actuators can lift more than 50 times their weight and withstand strains of more than 1100%. The results represent the potential application in artificial muscle actuators and intelligent camouflages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyong Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, No. 199 Renai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiao Hou
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, No. 199 Renai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ning Duan
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, No. 199 Renai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yongyuan Ren
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, No. 199 Renai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Feng Yan
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, No. 199 Renai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
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Cho EH, Luu K, Park SY. Mechano-Actuated Light-Responsive Main-Chain Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-hye Cho
- School of Applied Chemical Engineering, Polymeric Nanomaterials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Khuong Luu
- School of Applied Chemical Engineering, Polymeric Nanomaterials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-young Park
- School of Applied Chemical Engineering, Polymeric Nanomaterials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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50
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Sun D, Zhang J, Li H, Shi Z, Meng Q, Liu S, Chen J, Liu X. Toward Application of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer for Smart Robotics: State of the Art and Challenges. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1889. [PMID: 34204168 PMCID: PMC8201031 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are lightly crosslinked polymers that combine liquid crystalline order and rubber elasticity. Owing to their unique anisotropic behavior and reversible shape responses to external stimulation (temperature, light, etc.), LCEs have emerged as preferred candidates for actuators, artificial muscles, sensors, smart robots, or other intelligent devices. Herein, we discuss the basic action, control mechanisms, phase transitions, and the structure-property correlation of LCEs; this review provides a comprehensive overview of LCEs for applications in actuators and other smart devices. Furthermore, the synthesis and processing of liquid crystal elastomer are briefly discussed, and the current challenges and future opportunities are prospected. With all recent progress pertaining to material design, sophisticated manipulation, and advanced applications presented, a vision for the application of LCEs in the next generation smart robots or automatic action systems is outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold of Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (D.S.); (Z.S.); (Q.M.); (J.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Juzhong Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold of Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (D.S.); (Z.S.); (Q.M.); (J.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Hongpeng Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China;
| | - Zhengya Shi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold of Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (D.S.); (Z.S.); (Q.M.); (J.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Qi Meng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold of Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (D.S.); (Z.S.); (Q.M.); (J.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Shuiren Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold of Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (D.S.); (Z.S.); (Q.M.); (J.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Jinzhou Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold of Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (D.S.); (Z.S.); (Q.M.); (J.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Xuying Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold of Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (D.S.); (Z.S.); (Q.M.); (J.C.); (X.L.)
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