1
|
Zhang X, Wei J, Qin L, Yu Y. Liquid crystal polymer actuators with complex and multiple actuations. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:6757-6773. [PMID: 38916076 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb01055h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Deformable liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), which exhibit both entropic elasticity of polymer networks and anisotropic properties originating from ordered mesogens, have gained more and more interest for use as biomedical soft actuators. Especially, LCP actuators with controllable mesogen alignment, sophisticated geometry and reprogrammability are a rising star on the horizon of soft actuators, since they enable complex and multiple actuations. This review focuses on two topics: (1) the regulation of mesogen alignment and geometry of LCP actuators for complex actuations; (2) newly designed reprogrammable LCP materials for multiple actuations. First, basic actuation mechanisms are briefly introduced. Then, LCP actuators with complex actuations are demonstrated. Special attention is devoted to the improvement of fabrication methods, which profoundly influence the available complexity of the mesogen alignment and geometry. Subsequently, reprogrammable LCP actuators featuring dynamic networks or shape memory effects are discussed, with an emphasis on their multiple actuations. Finally, perspectives on the current challenges and potential development trends toward more intelligent LCP actuators are discussed, which may shed light on future investigations in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Materials Science & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Materials Science & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Lang Qin
- Department of Materials Science & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Yanlei Yu
- Department of Materials Science & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Y, Li YX, Li Q, Jia R, Tang Q, Huang H, Zhang Y, Feng X. Highly Ordered Gyroid Nanostructured Polymers: Facile Fabrication by Polymerizable Pluronic Surfactants. ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:550-557. [PMID: 38634712 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Highly ordered, network-nanostructured polymers offer compelling geometric features and application potential. However, their practical utilization is hampered by the restricted accessibility. Here, we address this challenge using commercial Pluronic surfactants with a straightforward modification of tethering polymerizable groups. By leveraging lyotropic self-assembly, we achieve facile production of double-gyroid mesophases, which are subsequently solidified via photoinduced cross-linking. The exceptionally ordered periodicities of Ia3d symmetry in the photocured polymers are unambiguously confirmed by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), which can capture single-crystal-like diffraction patterns. Electron density maps reconstructed from SAXS data complemented by transmission electron microscopy analysis further elucidate the real-space gyroid assemblies. Intriguingly, by tuning the cross-linking through thiol-acrylate chemistry, the mechanical properties of the polymer are modulated without compromising the integrity of Ia3d assemblies. The 3-D percolating gyroid nanochannels demonstrate an ionic conductivity that surpasses that of disordered structures, offering promising prospects for scalable fabrication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ya-Xin Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ruoyin Jia
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingchen Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Hairui Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Xunda Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, and College of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chiaradia V, Pensa E, Machado TO, Dove AP. Improving the Performance of Photoactive Terpene-Based Resin Formulations for Light-Based Additive Manufacturing. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:6904-6912. [PMID: 38725455 PMCID: PMC11077580 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c08191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Photocurable liquid formulations have been a key research focus for the preparation of mechanically robust and thermally stable networks. However, the development of renewable resins to replace petroleum-based commodities presents a great challenge in the field. From this perspective, we disclose the design of photoactive resins based on terpenes and itaconic acid, both potentially naturally sourced, to prepare photosets with adjustable thermomechanical properties. Biobased perillyl itaconate (PerIt) was synthesized from renewable perillyl alcohol and itaconic anhydride via a scalable solvent-free method. Photoirradiation of PerIt in the presence of a multiarm thiol and photoinitiator led to the formation of networks over a range of compositions. Addition of nonmodified terpenes (perillyl alcohol, linalool, or limonene) as reactive diluents allowed for more facile preparation of photocured networks. Photosets within a wide range of properties were accessed, and these could be adjusted by varying diluent type and thiol stoichiometry. The resins showed rapid photocuring kinetics and the ability to form either brittle or elastic materials, with Young's modulus and strain at break ranging from 3.6 to 358 MPa and 15 to 367%, respectively, depending on the chemical composition of the resin. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) were influenced by thioether content, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 43 °C, and all photosets displayed good thermal resistance with Td,5% > 190 °C. Selected formulations containing PerIt and limonene demonstrated suitability for additive manufacturing technologies and high-resolution objects were printed via digital light processing (DLP). Overall, this work presents a simple and straightforward route to prepare renewable resins for rapid prototyping applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Chiaradia
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Pensa
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Thiago O. Machado
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew P. Dove
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schlafmann KR, Alahmed MS, Pearl HM, White TJ. Tunable and Switchable Thermochromism in Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Elastomers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 38669605 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Thermochromic materials have found widespread commercial use in packaging as temperature indicators. Often, these products utilize leuco dyes that are mixed into conventional polymeric resins to prepare coatings or films that exhibit temperature-dependent color change. Here, we consider a distinctive approach to thermochromism via the selective reflection of liquid crystalline elastomers that retain the helicoidal structure of the cholesteric phase (CLCEs). Upon heating, the order of the CLCEs reduces and approaches zero, resulting in a change in birefringence as well as material thickness, both of which manifest as changes in the selective reflection to heating. This examination systematically prepares CLCEs capable of reversible thermochromic response as a function of cross-link density and liquid crystalline composition. A particular focus of this examination is the preparation of CLCEs composed of chiral and achiral liquid crystalline monomers that reduce the strength of the mesogen-mesogen interaction and accordingly reduce the nematic-isotropic transition temperature. The low birefringence of some of the CLCE compositions facilitates thermochromic reflection tuning, followed by switching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle R Schlafmann
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Mohammed S Alahmed
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Harrison M Pearl
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder Colorado 80303, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pranda PA, Hedegaard A, Kim H, Clapper J, Nelson E, Hines L, Hayward RC, White TJ. Directional Adhesion of Monodomain Liquid Crystalline Elastomers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:6394-6402. [PMID: 38266384 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are widely employed in consumer goods, health care, and commercial industry. Anisotropic adhesion of PSAs is often desirable to enable high force capacity coupled with facile release and has typically been realized through the introduction of complex surface and/or bulk microstructures while also maintaining high surface conformability. Although effective, microstructure fabrication can add cost and complexity to adhesive fabrication. Here, we explore aligned liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) as directional adhesives. Aligned LCEs exhibit direction-dependent stiffness, dissipation, and nonlinear deformation under load. By varying the cross-link content, we study how the bulk mechanical properties of LCEs correlate to their peel strength and peel anisotropy. We demonstrate up to a 9-fold difference in peel force measured when the LCE is peeled parallel vs perpendicular to the alignment axis. Opportunities to spatially localize adhesion are presented in a monolithic LCE patterned with different director orientations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Pranda
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | | | - Hyunki Kim
- 3M Company, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55144, United States
| | - Jason Clapper
- 3M Company, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55144, United States
| | - Eric Nelson
- 3M Company, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55144, United States
| | - Lindsey Hines
- 3M Company, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55144, United States
| | - Ryan C Hayward
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Saeed MH, Choi MY, Kim K, Lee JH, Kim K, Kim D, Kim SU, Kim H, Ahn SK, Lan R, Na JH. Electrostatically Powered Multimode Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:56285-56292. [PMID: 37991738 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c13140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators based on liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are captivating significant interest because of their unique properties combining the programmable liquid crystalline molecular order and elasticity of polymeric materials. For practical applications, the ability to perform multimodal shape changes in a single LCE actuator at a subsecond level is a bottleneck. Here, we fabricate a monodomain LCE powered by electrostatic force, which enables fast multidirectional bending, oscillation, rotation, and complex actuation with a high degree of freedom. By tuning the dielectric constant and resistivity in LCE gels, a complete cycle of oscillation and rotation only takes 0.1 s. In addition, monodomain actuators exhibit anisotropic actuation behaviors that promise a more complex deployment in a potential electromechanical system. The presented study will pave the way for electrostatically controllable isothermal manipulation for a fast and multimode soft actuator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Hassan Saeed
- Department of Electrical, Electronics and Communication Engineering Education, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Young Choi
- Department of Convergence System Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Kitae Kim
- Department of Convergence System Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyeong Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Keumbee Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Dowon Kim
- Department of Electrical, Electronics and Communication Engineering Education, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Um Kim
- Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Kyun Ahn
- School of Chemical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Ruochen Lan
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Jun-Hee Na
- Department of Electrical, Electronics and Communication Engineering Education, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence System Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bao J, Wang Z, Song C, Zhang Y, Li Z, Zhang L, Lan R, Yang H. Shape-Programmable Liquid-Crystalline Polyurethane-Based Multimode Actuators Triggered by Light-Driven Molecular Motors. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302168. [PMID: 37459653 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, light-driven soft actuators have been rapidly developed as enablers in the fabrication of artificial robots and biomimetic devices. However, it remains challenging to amplify molecular isomerization to multiple modes of macroscopic actuation with large amplitude and complex motions. Here, a strategy is reported to build a light-responsive liquid-crystalline polyurethane elastomer by phototriggered overcrowded alkene-based molecular motors. A trifunctional molecular motor modified with an ethylene glycol spacer on the rotor and stator functions as a crosslinker and unidirectional stirrer that amplifies molecular motion into macroscopic movement. The shape-programmable polymeric film presents superior mechanical properties and characteristic shape-memory effect. Furthermore, diverse modes of motions including bending, unwinding, and contracting with tunable actuation speed over a wide range are achieved. Such research is hoped to pave a new way for the design of advanced light-responsive soft actuators and robots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Bao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Zizheng Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Chenjie Song
- Capital Medical University, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Zhaozhong Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Lanying Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Ruochen Lan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Huai Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Q, Tian X, Zhang D, Zhou Y, Yan W, Li D. Programmable spatial deformation by controllable off-center freestanding 4D printing of continuous fiber reinforced liquid crystal elastomer composites. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3869. [PMID: 37391425 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to their high deformation ability, 4D printed structures have various applications in origami structures, soft robotics and deployable mechanisms. As a material with programmable molecular chain orientation, liquid crystal elastomer is expected to produce the freestanding, bearable and deformable three-dimensional structure. However, majority of the existing 4D printing methods for liquid crystal elastomers can only fabricate planar structures, which limits their deformation designability and bearing capacity. Here we propose a direct ink writing based 4D printing method for freestanding continuous fiber reinforced composites. Continuous fibers can support freestanding structures during the printing process and improve the mechanical property and deformation ability of 4D printed structures. In this paper, the integration of 4D printed structures with fully impregnated composite interfaces, programmable deformation ability and high bearing capacity are realized by adjusting the off-center distribution of the fibers, and the printed liquid crystal composite can carry a load of up to 2805 times its own weight and achieve a bending deformation curvature of 0.33 mm-1 at 150 °C. This research is expected to open new avenues for creating soft robotics, mechanical metamaterials and artificial muscles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingrui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyong Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Daokang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wanquan Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Radka BP, Pande GK, White TJ. The contribution of network elasticity to electro-optic response in polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals. SOFT MATTER 2023. [PMID: 37161870 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00225j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Polymer stabilization of cholesteric liquid crystals can enable dynamic reconfiguration of the selective reflection of the CLC phase. Here, we explore how the contribution of the elasticity of the polymer stabilizing network affects the ion-mediated, electromechanical deformation and associated electro-optic response in PSCLCs. We utilize a free-radical chain transfer reaction between acrylate and thiol monomers that has been used to prepare elastomeric networks. This work maps the compositional contributions of total concentration and crosslink density to tuning and recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Radka
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Gaurav K Pande
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hebner TS, Bowman RGA, Duffy D, Mostajeran C, Griniasty I, Cohen I, Warner M, Bowman CN, White TJ. Discontinuous Metric Programming in Liquid Crystalline Elastomers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:11092-11098. [PMID: 36791283 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c21984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are shape-changing materials that exhibit large deformations in response to applied stimuli. Local control of the orientation of LCEs spatially directs the deformation of these materials to realize a spontaneous shape change in response to stimuli. Prior approaches to shape programming in LCEs utilize patterning techniques that involve the detailed inscription of spatially varying nematic fields to produce sheets. These patterned sheets deform into elaborate geometries with complex Gaussian curvatures. Here, we present an alternative approach to realize shape-morphing in LCEs where spatial patterning of the crosslink density locally regulates the material deformation magnitude on either side of a prescribed interface curve. We also present a simple mathematical model describing the behavior of these materials. Further experiments coupled with the mathematical model demonstrate the control of the sign of Gaussian curvature, which is used in combination with heat transfer effects to design LCEs that self-clean as a result of temperature-dependent actuation properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tayler S Hebner
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Riley G A Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Daniel Duffy
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England CB2 1PZ, U.K
| | - Cyrus Mostajeran
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England CB2 1PZ, U.K
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Itay Griniasty
- Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-2501, United States
| | - Itai Cohen
- Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-2501, United States
| | - Mark Warner
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hebner TS, Korner K, Bowman CN, Bhattacharya K, White TJ. Leaping liquid crystal elastomers. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade1320. [PMID: 36652507 PMCID: PMC9848472 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade1320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Snap-through mechanisms are pervasive in everyday life in biological systems, engineered devices, and consumer products. Snap-through transitions can be realized in responsive materials via stimuli-induced mechanical instability. Here, we demonstrate a rapid and powerful snap-through response in liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs). While LCEs have been extensively examined as material actuators, their deformation rate is limited by the second-order character of their phase transition. In this work, we locally pattern the director orientation of LCEs and fabricate mechanical elements with through-thickness (functionally graded) modulus gradients to realize stimuli-induced responses as fast as 6 ms. The rapid acceleration and associated force output of the LCE elements cause the elements to leap to heights over 200 times the material thickness. The experimental examination in functionally graded LCE elements is complemented with computational evaluation of the underlying mechanics. The experimentally validated model is then exercised as a design tool to guide functional implementation, visualized as directional leaping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tayler S. Hebner
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Kevin Korner
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Christopher N. Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Kaushik Bhattacharya
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Timothy J. White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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
|
13
|
Yan H, He Y, Yao L, Wang X, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Han D, Li C, Sun L, Zhang J. Thermo-crosslinking assisted preparation of thiol-acrylate main-chain liquid-crystalline elastomers. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-022-03238-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abadia AV, Herbert KM, White TJ, Schwartz DK, Kaar JL. Biocatalytic 3D Actuation in Liquid Crystal Elastomers via Enzyme Patterning. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:26480-26488. [PMID: 35652291 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c05802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are stimuli-responsive materials that undergo large shape transformations after undergoing an order-disorder transition. While shape reconfigurations in LCEs are predominantly triggered by heat, there is a considerable interest in developing highly specific triggers that work at room temperature. Herein, we report the fabrication of biocatalytic LCEs that respond to the presence of urea by covalently immobilizing urease within chemically responsive LCE networks. The hydrogen-bonded LCEs developed in this work exhibited contractile strains of up to 36% upon exposure to a base. Notably, the generation of ammonia by immobilized urease triggered a disruption in the supramolecular network and a large reduction of liquid crystalline order in the films when the LCEs were exposed to urea. This reduction in order was macroscopically translated into a strain response that could be modulated by changing the concentration of urea or exposure time to the substrate. Local control of the mechanical response of the LCE was realized by spatially patterning the enzyme on the surface of the films. Subsequent exposure of enzymatically patterned LCE to urea-triggered 3D shape transformations into a curl, arch, or accordion-like structure, depending on the motif patterned on the film surface. Furthermore, we showed that the presence of salt was critical to prevent bridging of the network by the presence of ammonium ions, thereby enabling such macroscopic 3D shape changes. The large actuation potential of LCEs and the ability to translate the biocatalytic activity of enzymes to macroscopic 3D shape transformations could enable use in applications ranging from cell culture, medicine, or antifouling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Velasco Abadia
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Katie M Herbert
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Daniel K Schwartz
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Joel L Kaar
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sedrik R, Bonjour O, Laanesoo S, Liblikas I, Pehk T, Jannasch P, Vares L. Chemically Recyclable Poly(β-thioether ester)s Based on Rigid Spirocyclic Ketal Diols Derived from Citric Acid. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2685-2696. [PMID: 35617050 PMCID: PMC9198987 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Incorporating rigid
cyclic acetal and ketal units into polymer
structures is an important strategy toward recyclable high-performance
materials from renewable resources. In the present work, citric acid,
a widely used platform chemical derived from biomass, has been efficiently
converted into di- and tricyclic diketones. Ketalization with glycerol
or trimethylolpropane afforded rigid spirodiols, which were obtained
as complex mixtures of isomers. After a comprehensive NMR analysis,
the spirodiols were converted into the respective di(meth)acrylates
and utilized in thiol–ene polymerizations in combination with
different dithiols. The resulting poly(β-thioether ester ketal)s
were thermally stable up to 300 °C and showed glass-transition
temperatures in a range of −7 to 40 °C, depending on monomer
composition. The polymers were stable in aqueous acids and bases,
but in a mixture of 1 M aqueous HCl and acetone, the ketal functional
groups were cleanly hydrolyzed, opening the pathway for potential
chemical recycling of these materials. We envision that these novel
bioderived spirodiols have a great potential to become valuable and
versatile bio-based building blocks for several different kinds of
polymer materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rauno Sedrik
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Olivier Bonjour
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, Lund 221 00, Sweden
| | - Siim Laanesoo
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Ilme Liblikas
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Tõnis Pehk
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Akadeemia tee 23, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
| | - Patric Jannasch
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu 50411, Estonia.,Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, Lund 221 00, Sweden
| | - Lauri Vares
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li Y, Liu T, Ambrogi V, Rios O, Xia M, He W, Yang Z. Liquid Crystalline Elastomers Based on Click Chemistry. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:14842-14858. [PMID: 35319184 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c21096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) have emerged as an important class of functional materials that are suitable for a wide range of applications, such as sensors, actuators, and soft robotics. The unique properties of LCEs originate from the combination between liquid crystal and elastomeric network. The control of macroscopic liquid crystalline orientation and network structure is crucial to realizing the useful functionalities of LCEs. A variety of chemistries have been developed to fabricate LCEs, including hydrosilylation, free radical polymerization of acrylate, and polyaddition of epoxy and carboxylic acid. Over the past few years, the use of click chemistry has become a more robust and energy-efficient way to construct LCEs with desired structures. This article provides an overview of emerging LCEs based on click chemistries, including aza-Michael addition between amine and acrylate, radical-mediated thiol-ene and thiol-yne reactions, base-catalyzed thiol-acrylate and thiol-epoxy reactions, copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, and Diels-Alder cycloaddition. The similarities and differences of these reactions are discussed, with particular attention focused on the strengths and limitations of each reaction for the preparation of LCEs with controlled structures and orientations. The compatibility of these reactions with the traditional and emerging processing techniques, such as surface alignment and additive manufacturing, are surveyed. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of using click chemistry for the design of LCEs with advanced functionalities and applications are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhan Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tuan Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Veronica Ambrogi
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli 80125, Italy
| | - Orlando Rios
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Min Xia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Wanli He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhou Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|