1
|
Sun Y, Liu Z, Zhang C, Zhang X. Sustainable Polymers with High Performance and Infinite Scalability. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400142. [PMID: 38421200 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400142] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Our society has been pursuing high-performance biodegradable polymers made from facile methods and readily available monomers. Here, we demonstrate a library of enzyme-degradable polymers with desirable properties from the first reported step polyaddition of diamines, COS, and diacrylates. The polymers contain in-chain ester and thiourethane groups, which can serve as lipase-degradation and hydrogen-bonding physical crosslinking points, respectively, resulting in possible biodegradability as well as upgraded mechanical and thermal properties. Also, the properties of the polymers are scalable due to the versatile method and the wide variety of monomers. We obtain 46 polymers with tunable performance covering high-Tm crystalline plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, and amorphous plastics by regulating polymer structure. Additionally, the polymerization method is highly efficient, atom-economical, quantitatively yield, metal- and even catalyst-free. Overall, the polymers are promising green materials given their degradability, simple and modular synthesis, remarkable and tunable properties, and readily available monomers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziheng Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengjian Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinghong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biobased Transportation Fuel Technology, International Research Center for X Polymers, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310027, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yue L, Ambergen EPJ, Lugger SJD, Peeketi AR, Annabattula RK, Schenning APHJ, Debije MG. Vacuum Thermoforming of Optically Switchable Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Spherical Actuators. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2402559. [PMID: 38627932 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202402559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuators are generally limited in shape, size, and quantity by the need for aligning via stretching and fixing via photopolymerizing. A thermoplastic LCE is presented that may be vacuum thermoformed into centimeter-sized hemispheres. The scalable industrial process induces LCE alignment without requiring postfixing. The hemispheres display remarkable properties, actuating with strains around 20% and transitioning from opaque and scattering to highly translucent upon heating: both the physical and optical effects are fully reversible. Simulations reveal the LCE experiences biaxial strains during processing, the magnitude varying as a function of location on the hemisphere: the resulting alignment describing the hemisphere actuation well. The thermoplastic LCE hemispheres may be combined to form complete spheres by simply heating the joint. The hemisphere can also be physically deformed into a ball which can then unfold back into the hemisphere again. By doping the hemispheres with photoswitches, fluorescent or photothermal dyes, devices are formed for light collection and redistribution, addressable water containers that may pour at will, and light-responsive surfing devices. This is the first example of an LCE amenable to high-volume industrial vacuum thermoforming which may lead to intricate 3D-shaped actuators with new functional properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lansong Yue
- Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Erik P J Ambergen
- Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Sean J D Lugger
- Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Akhil Reddy Peeketi
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
- Stimuli-Responsive Systems Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Ratna Kumar Annabattula
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
- Stimuli-Responsive Systems Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and 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 (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
- Interactive Polymer Materials (IPM), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Michael G Debije
- Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and 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 (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
- Interactive Polymer Materials (IPM), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feng W, He Q, Zhang L. Embedded Physical Intelligence in Liquid Crystalline Polymer Actuators and Robots. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2312313. [PMID: 38375751 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Responsive materials possess the inherent capacity to autonomously sense and respond to various external stimuli, demonstrating physical intelligence. Among the diverse array of responsive materials, liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) stand out for their remarkable reversible stimuli-responsive shape-morphing properties and their potential for creating soft robots. While numerous reviews have extensively detailed the progress in developing LCP-based actuators and robots, there exists a need for comprehensive summaries that elucidate the underlying principles governing actuation and how physical intelligence is embedded within these systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in developing actuators and robots endowed with physical intelligence using LCPs. This review is structured around the stimulus conditions and categorizes the studies involving responsive LCPs based on the fundamental control and stimulation logic and approach. Specifically, three main categories are examined: systems that respond to changing stimuli, those operating under constant stimuli, and those equip with learning and logic control capabilities. Furthermore, the persisting challenges that need to be addressed are outlined and discuss the future avenues of research in this dynamic field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Feng
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiguang He
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu L, Hu Y, Zhao D, Zhang W, Wang H. A Versatile Assembly Approach toward Multifunctional Supramolecular Poly(Ionic Liquid) Nanoporous Membranes in Water. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2300189. [PMID: 37248809 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300189] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen (H)-bonding-integration of multiple ingredients into supramolecular polyelectrolyte nanoporous membranes in water, thereby achieving tailor-made porous architectures, properties, and functionalities, remains one of the foremost challenges in materials chemistry due to the significantly opposing action of water molecules against H-bonding. Herein, a strategy is described that allows direct fusing of the functional attributes of small additives into water-involved hydrogen bonding assembled supramolecular poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) nanoporous membranes (SPILMs) under ambient conditions. It discloses that the pore size distributions and mechanical properties of SPILMs are rationally controlled by tuning the H-bonding interactions between small additives and homo-PIL. It demonstrates that, benefiting from the synergy of multiple noncovalent interactions, small dye additives/homo-PIL solutions can be utilized as versatile inks for yielding colorful light emitting films with robust underwater adhesion strength, excellent stretchability, and flexibility on diverse substrates, including both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. This system provides a general platform for integrating the functional attributes of a diverse variety of additives into SPILMs to create multifunctional and programmable materials in water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yingyi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Dongbing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Wangqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Hong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guo H, Liang C, Ruoko TP, Meteling H, Peng B, Zeng H, Priimagi A. Programmable and Self-Healable Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Based on Halogen Bonding. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202309402. [PMID: 37694550 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309402] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Shape-changing polymeric materials have gained significant attention in the field of bioinspired soft robotics. However, challenges remain in versatilizing the shape-morphing process to suit different tasks and environments, and in designing systems that combine reversible actuation and self-healing ability. Here, we report halogen-bonded liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) that can be arbitrarily shape-programmed and that self-heal under mild thermal or photothermal stimulation. We incorporate halogen-bond-donating diiodotetrafluorobenzene molecules as dynamic supramolecular crosslinks into the LCEs and show that these relatively weak crosslinks are pertinent for their mechanical programming and self-healing. Utilizing the halogen-bonded LCEs, we demonstrate proof-of-concept soft robotic motions such as crawling and rolling with programmed velocities. Our results showcase halogen bonding as a promising, yet unexplored tool for the preparation of smart supramolecular constructs for the development of advanced soft actuators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuang Guo
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101, Tampere, Finland
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University P.O. Box 15100, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Tero-Petri Ruoko
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101, Tampere, Finland
| | - Henning Meteling
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101, Tampere, Finland
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University P.O. Box 15100, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Hao Zeng
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101, Tampere, Finland
| | - Arri Priimagi
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fan Y, Liu T, Li Y, Miao X, Chen B, Ding J, Dong Z, Rios O, Bao B, Lin Q, Zhu L. One-Step Manufacturing of Supramolecular Liquid-Crystal Elastomers by Stress-Induced Alignment and Hydrogen Bond Exchange. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308793. [PMID: 37496468 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308793] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-crystal elastomers (LCEs) capable of performing large and reversible deformation in response to an external stimulus are an important class of soft actuators. However, their manufacturing process typically involves a multistep approach that requires harsh conditions. For the very first time, LCEs with customized geometries that can be manufactured by a rapid one-step approach at room temperature are developed. The LCEs are hydrogen bond (H-bond) crosslinked main chain polymers comprising flexible short side chains. Applying a stretching/shear force to the LCE can simultaneously induce mesogen alignment and H-bond exchange, allowing for the formation of well-aligned LCE networks stabilized by H-bonds. Based on this working principle, soft actuators in fibers and 2D/3D objects can be manufactured by mechanical stretching or melt extrusion within a short time (e.g. <1 min). These actuators can perform reversible macroscopic motions with large, controlled deformations up to 38 %. The dynamic nature of H-bonds also provides the actuators with reprocessability and reprogrammability. Thus, this work opens the way for the one-step and custom manufacturing of soft actuators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuexin Fan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Tuan Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yuzhan Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Xuepei Miao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Materials, Changzhou Institute of Technology, Changzhou, 213032, P. R. China
| | - Baihang Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Jian Ding
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Zhixiang Dong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Orlando Rios
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Bingkun Bao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Qiuning Lin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Linyong Zhu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tian S, Lugger SJD, Lee CS, Debije MG, Schenning APHJ. Fully (Re)configurable Interactive Material through a Switchable Photothermal Charge Transfer Complex Gated by a Supramolecular Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuator. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19347-19353. [PMID: 37609696 PMCID: PMC10485926 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Charge transfer complexes (CTCs) based on self-assembled donor and acceptor molecules allow light absorption of significantly redshifted wavelengths to either the donor or acceptor. In this work, we demonstrate a CTC embedded in a hydrogen-bonded liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), which in itself is fully reformable and reprocessable. The LCE host acts as a gate, directing the self-assembly of the CTC. When hydrogen bonding is present, the CTC behaves as a near-infrared (NIR) dye allowing photothermal actuation of the LCE. The CTC can be disassembled in specific regions of the LCE film by disrupting the hydrogen bond interactions, allowing selective NIR heating and localized actuation of the films. The metastable non-CTC state may persist for weeks or can be recovered on demand by heat treatment. Besides the CTC variability, the capability of completely reforming the shape, color, and actuation mode of the LCE provides an interactive material with unprecedented application versatility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Tian
- Center
of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P.
R. China
- Stimuli-Responsive
Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sean J. D. Lugger
- Stimuli-Responsive
Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Chun-Sing Lee
- Center
of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P.
R. China
| | - Michael G. Debije
- Stimuli-Responsive
Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Interactive
Polymer Materials (IPM), Eindhoven University
of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P. H. J. Schenning
- Stimuli-Responsive
Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Interactive
Polymer Materials (IPM), Eindhoven University
of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang B, Qiao C, Wang YL, Dong X, Zhang W, Lu Y, Yuan J, Zeng H, Wang H. Multifunctional Underwater Adhesive Film Enabled by a Single-Component Poly(ionic liquid). ACS NANO 2023; 17:5871-5879. [PMID: 36926859 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tremendous efforts have been devoted to exploiting synthetic wet adhesives for real-life applications. However, developing low-cost, robust, and multifunctional wet adhesive materials remains a considerable challenge. Herein, a wet adhesive composed of a single-component poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) that enables fast and robust underwater adhesion is reported. The PIL adhesive film possesses excellent stretchability and flexibility, enabling its anchoring on target substrates regardless of deformation and water scouring. Surface force measurements show the PIL can achieve a maximum adhesion of 56.7 mN·m-1 on diverse substrates (both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates) in aqueous media, within ∼30 s after being applied. The adhesion mechanisms of the PIL were revealed via the force measurements, and its robust wet adhesive capacity was ascribed to the synergy of different non-covalent interactions, such as of hydrogen bonding, cation-π, electrostatic, and van der Waals interactions. Surprisingly, this PIL adhesive film exhibited impressive underwater sound absorption capacity. The absorption coefficient of a 0.7 mm-thick PIL film to 4-30 kHz sound waves could be as high as 0.80-0.92. This work reports a multifunctional PIL wet adhesive that has promising applications in many areas and provides deep insights into interfacial interaction mechanisms underlying the wet adhesion capability of PILs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binmin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Chenyu Qiao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Yong-Lei Wang
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
- Department of Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Xiaoxiao Dong
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Wangqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jiayin Yuan
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
| | - Hongbo Zeng
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Hong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials (Ministry of Education), Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lewis KL, Herbert KM, Matavulj VM, Hoang JD, Ellison ET, Bauman GE, Herman JA, White TJ. Programming Orientation in Liquid Crystalline Elastomers Prepared with Intra-Mesogenic Supramolecular Bonds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:3467-3475. [PMID: 36598490 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The large, directional stimuli-response of aligned liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) could enable functional utility in robotics, medicine, consumer goods, and photonics. The alignment of LCEs has historically been realized via mechanical alignment of a two-stage reaction. Recent reports widely utilize chain extension reactions of liquid crystal monomers (LCM) to form LCEs that are subject to either surface-enforced or mechanical alignment. Here, we prepare LCEs that contain intra-mesogenic supramolecular bonds synthesized via direct free-radical chain transfer photopolymerization processible by a distinctive mechanical alignment mechanism. The LCEs were prepared by the polymerization of a benzoic acid monomer (11OBA), which dimerized to form a liquid crystal monomer, with a diacrylate LCM (C6M). The incorporation of the intra-mesogenic hydrogen bonds increases the achievable nematic order from mechanical programming. Accordingly, LCEs prepared with larger 11OBA concentration exhibit higher magnitude thermomechanical strain values when compared to a LCE containing only covalent bonds. These LCEs can be reprogrammed with heat to return the aligned film to the polydomain state. The LCE can then be subsequently programmed to orient in a different direction. The facile preparation of (re)programmable LCEs with supramolecular bonds opens new avenues for the implementation of these materials as shape deployable elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Lewis
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Katie M Herbert
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Valentina M Matavulj
- Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Jonathan D Hoang
- Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Eric T Ellison
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Grant E Bauman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Jeremy A Herman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
- Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|