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Chung C, Jiang H, Yu K. Mesogen Organizations in Nematic Liquid Crystal Elastomers Under Different Deformation Conditions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2402305. [PMID: 39155423 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) exhibit unique mechanical properties of soft elasticity and reversible shape-changing behaviors, and so serve as potentially transformative materials for various protective and actuation applications. This study contributes to filling a critical knowledge gap in the field by investigating the microscale mesogen organization of nematic LCEs with diverse macroscopic deformation. A polarized Fourier transform infrared light spectroscopy (FTIR) tester is utilized to examine the mesogen organizations, including both the nematic director and mesogen order parameter. Three types of material deformation are analyzed: uniaxial tension, simple shear, and bi-axial tension, which are all commonly encountered in practical designs of LCEs. By integrating customized loading fixtures into the FTIR tester, mesogen organizations are examined across varying magnitudes of strain levels for each deformation mode. Their relationships with macroscopic stress responses are revealed and compared with predictions from existing theories. Furthermore, this study reveals unique features of mesogen organizations that have not been previously reported, such as simultaneous evolutions of the mesogen order parameter and nematic director in simple shear and bi-axial loading conditions. Overall, the findings presented in this study offer significant new insights for future rational designs, modeling, and applications of LCE materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Chung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80217, USA
| | - Huan Jiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80217, USA
| | - Kai Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80217, USA
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2
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Wu D, Li X, Zhang Y, Cheng X, Long Z, Ren L, Xia X, Wang Q, Li J, Lv P, Feng Q, Wei Q. Novel Biomimetic "Spider Web" Robust, Super-Contractile Liquid Crystal Elastomer Active Yarn Soft Actuator. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400557. [PMID: 38419378 PMCID: PMC11077665 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
In nature, spider web is an interwoven network with high stability and elasticity from silk threads secreted by spider. Inspired by the structure of spider webs, light-driven liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) active yarn is designed with super-contractile and robust weavability. Herein, a novel biomimetic gold nanorods (AuNRs) @LCE yarn soft actuator with hierarchical structure is fabricated by a facile electrospinning and subsequent photocrosslinking strategies. Meanwhile, the inherent mechanism and actuation performances of the as-prepared yarn actuator with interleaving network are systematically analyzed. Results demonstrate that thanks to the unique "like-spider webs" structure between fibers, high molecular orientation within the LCE microfibers and good flexibility, they can generate super actuation strain (≈81%) and stable actuation performances. Importantly, benefit from the robust covalent bonding at the organic-inorganic interface, photopolymerizable AuNRs molecules are uniformly introduced into the polymer backbone of electrospun LCE yarn to achieve tailorable shape-morphing under different light intensity stimulation. As a proof-of-concept illustration, light-driven artificial muscles, micro swimmers, and hemostatic bandages are successfully constructed. The research disclosed herein can offer new insights into continuous production and development of LCE-derived yarn actuator that are of paramount significance for many applications from smart fabrics to flexible wearable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingsheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fabrics, College of Textiles and ClothingAnhui Polytechnic UniversityAnhui241000China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Xinyue Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Zhiwen Long
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Lingyun Ren
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Xin Xia
- College of Textile and ClothingXinjiang UniversityUrumchiXinjiang830046China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Jie Li
- Jiangsu Textile Quality Services Inspection Testing InstituteJiangsu210007China
| | - Pengfei Lv
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
| | - Quan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fabrics, College of Textiles and ClothingAnhui Polytechnic UniversityAnhui241000China
| | - Qufu Wei
- Key Laboratory of Eco‐Textiles, Ministry of EducationJiangnan UniversityJiangsu214122China
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3
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Xu Y, Zhang X, Song Z, Chen X, Huang Y, Wang J, Li B, Huang S, Li Q. In situ Light-Writable Orientation Control in Liquid Crystal Elastomer Film Enabled by Chalcones. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319698. [PMID: 38190301 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319698] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are stimulus-responsive materials with intrinsic anisotropy. However, it is still challenging to in situ program the mesogen alignment to realize three-dimensional (3D) deformations with high-resolution patterned structures. This work presents a feasible strategy to program the anisotropy of LCEs by using chalcone mesogens that can undergo a photoinduced cycloaddition reaction under linear polarized light. It is shown that by controlling the polarization director and the irradiation region, patterned alignment distribution in a freestanding LCE film can be created, which leads to complex and reversible 3D shape-morphing behaviors. The work demonstrates an in situ light-writing method to achieve sophisticated topography changes in LCEs, which has potential applications in encryption, sensors, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Xu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Xinfang Zhang
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH-44242, USA
| | - Zhenpeng Song
- College of Electronic and Optical Engineering & College of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Yinliang Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Bingxiang Li
- College of Electronic and Optical Engineering & College of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH-44242, USA
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4
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Bo R, Xu S, Yang Y, Zhang Y. Mechanically-Guided 3D Assembly for Architected Flexible Electronics. Chem Rev 2023; 123:11137-11189. [PMID: 37676059 PMCID: PMC10540141 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Architected flexible electronic devices with rationally designed 3D geometries have found essential applications in biology, medicine, therapeutics, sensing/imaging, energy, robotics, and daily healthcare. Mechanically-guided 3D assembly methods, exploiting mechanics principles of materials and structures to transform planar electronic devices fabricated using mature semiconductor techniques into 3D architected ones, are promising routes to such architected flexible electronic devices. Here, we comprehensively review mechanically-guided 3D assembly methods for architected flexible electronics. Mainstream methods of mechanically-guided 3D assembly are classified and discussed on the basis of their fundamental deformation modes (i.e., rolling, folding, curving, and buckling). Diverse 3D interconnects and device forms are then summarized, which correspond to the two key components of an architected flexible electronic device. Afterward, structure-induced functionalities are highlighted to provide guidelines for function-driven structural designs of flexible electronics, followed by a collective summary of their resulting applications. Finally, conclusions and outlooks are given, covering routes to achieve extreme deformations and dimensions, inverse design methods, and encapsulation strategies of architected 3D flexible electronics, as well as perspectives on future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renheng Bo
- Applied
Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory
of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua
University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Shiwei Xu
- Applied
Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory
of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua
University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Youzhou Yang
- Applied
Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory
of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua
University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Yihui Zhang
- Applied
Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory
of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua
University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic
of China
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5
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Zhang L, Zhang Z, Weisbecker H, Yin H, Liu Y, Han T, Guo Z, Berry M, Yang B, Guo X, Adams J, Xie Z, Bai W. 3D morphable systems via deterministic microfolding for vibrational sensing, robotic implants, and reconfigurable telecommunication. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eade0838. [PMID: 36542721 PMCID: PMC9770994 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade0838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
DNA and proteins fold in three dimensions (3D) to enable functions that sustain life. Emulation of such folding schemes for functional materials can unleash enormous potential in advancing a wide range of technologies, especially in robotics, medicine, and telecommunication. Here, we report a microfolding strategy that enables formation of 3D morphable microelectronic systems integrated with various functional materials, including monocrystalline silicon, metallic nanomembranes, and polymers. By predesigning folding hosts and configuring folding pathways, 3D microelectronic systems in freestanding forms can transform across various complex configurations with modulated functionalities. Nearly all transitional states of 3D microelectronic systems achieved via the microfolding assembly can be easily accessed and modulated in situ, offering functional versatility and adaptability. Advanced morphable microelectronic systems including a reconfigurable microantenna for customizable telecommunication, a 3D vibration sensor for hand-tremor monitoring, and a bloomable robot for cardiac mapping demonstrate broad utility of these assembly schemes to realize advanced functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Zongwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, DUT-BSU Joint Institute, Dalian University, Dalian 116024, P.R. China
- Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, Ningbo 315016, P.R. China
| | - Hannah Weisbecker
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Haifeng Yin
- MCAllister Heart Institute Core, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Yihan Liu
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Tianhong Han
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Ziheng Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Matt Berry
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Binbin Yang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Xu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, DUT-BSU Joint Institute, Dalian University, Dalian 116024, P.R. China
- Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, Ningbo 315016, P.R. China
| | - Jacob Adams
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Zhaoqian Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, DUT-BSU Joint Institute, Dalian University, Dalian 116024, P.R. China
- Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, Ningbo 315016, P.R. China
| | - Wubin Bai
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
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6
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Li R, Zhang C, Li J, Zhang Y, Liu S, Hu Y, Jiang S, Chen C, Xin C, Tao Y, Dong B, Wu D, Chu J. Magnetically encoded 3D mesostructure with high-order shape morphing and high-frequency actuation. Natl Sci Rev 2022; 9:nwac163. [PMID: 36381211 PMCID: PMC9647007 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwac163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inspired by origami/kirigami, three-dimensional (3D) mesostructures assembled via a mechanics-guided approach, with reversible and maneuverable shape-morphing capabilities, have attracted great interest with regard to a broad range of applications. Despite intensive studies, the development of morphable 3D mesostructures with high-order (multi-degree-of-freedom) deformation and untethered high-frequency actuation remains challenging. This work introduces a scheme for a magnetically encoded transferable 3D mesostructure, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film as the skeleton and discrete magnetic domains as actuation units, to address this challenge. The high-order deformation, including hierarchical, multidirectional and blending shape morphing, is realized by encoding 3D discrete magnetization profiles on the architecture through ultraviolet curing. Reconfigurable 3D mesostructures with a modest structural modulus (∼3 GPa) enable both high-frequency (∼55 Hz) and large-deformation (∼66.8%) actuation under an alternating magnetic field. Additionally, combined with the shape-retention and adhesion property of PET, these 3D mesostructures can be readily transferred and attached to many solid substrates. On this basis, diverse functional devices, including a switchable colour letter display, liquid mixer, sequential flashlight and biomimetic sliding robot, are demonstrated to offer new perspectives for robotics and microelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yachao Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Shunli Liu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yanlei Hu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Shaojun Jiang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Chen Xin
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yuan Tao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Bin Dong
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jiaru Chu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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7
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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]
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8
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Jo Y, Hwang JH, Lee SS, Lee SY, Kim YS, Kim DG, Choi Y, Jeong S. Printable Self-Activated Liquid Metal Stretchable Conductors from Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Functionalized Eutectic Gallium Indium Composites. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:10747-10757. [PMID: 35099918 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Stretchable electronic circuits are critical in a variety of next-generation electronics applications, including soft robots, wearable technologies, and biomedical applications. To date, printable composite conductors comprising various types of conductive fillers have been suggested to achieve high electrical conductance and excellent stretchability. Among them, liquid metal particles have been considered as a viable candidate filler that can meet the necessary prerequisites. However, a mechanical activation process is needed to generate interconnected liquid channels inside elastomeric polymers. In this study, we have developed a chemical strategy of surface-functionalizing liquid metal particles to eliminate the necessity of additional mechanical activation processes. We found that the characteristic conformations of the polyvinylpyrrolidone surrounding eutectic gallium indium particles are highly dependent on the molecular weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone. By virtue of the specific chemical roles of polyvinylpyrrolidone, the as-printed composite layers are highly conductive and stretchable, exhibiting an electrical conductivity approaching 8372 S/cm at 100% strain and an invariant resistance change of 0.92 even at 75% strain after a 60,000 cycle test. The results demonstrate that the self-activated liquid metal-based composite conductors are applicable to traditional stretchable electronics, healable stretchable electronics, and shape-morphable applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejin Jo
- Department of Advanced Materials Engineering for Information and Electronics, and Integrated Education Institute for Frontier Science & Technology (BK21 Four), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea
| | - Jae Hyuk Hwang
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Sun Sook Lee
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Su Yeon Lee
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Yong Seok Kim
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Dong-Gyun Kim
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Youngmin Choi
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Sunho Jeong
- Department of Advanced Materials Engineering for Information and Electronics, and Integrated Education Institute for Frontier Science & Technology (BK21 Four), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea
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9
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Luo C, Chung C, Yakacki CM, Long K, Yu K. Real-Time Alignment and Reorientation of Polymer Chains in Liquid Crystal Elastomers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:1961-1972. [PMID: 34931796 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) exhibit soft elasticity due to the alignment and reorientation of mesogens upon mechanical loading, which provides additional mechanisms to absorb and dissipate energy. This enhanced response makes LCEs potentially transformative materials for biomedical devices, tissue replacements, and protective equipment. However, there is a critical knowledge gap in understanding the highly rate-dependent dissipative behaviors of LCEs due to the lack of real-time characterization techniques that probe the microscale network structure and link it to the mechanical deformation of LCEs. In this work, we employ in situ optical measurements to evaluate the alignment and reorientation degree of mesogens in LCEs. The data are correlated to the quantitative physical analysis using polarized Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The time scale of mesogen alignment is determined at different strain levels and loading rates. The mesogen reorientation kinetics is characterized to establish its relationship with the macroscale tensile strain, and compared to theoretical predictions. Overall, this work provides the first detailed study on the time-dependent evolution of mesogen alignment and reorientation in deformed LCEs. It also provides an effective and more accessible approach for other researchers to investigate the structural-property relationships of different types of polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqian Luo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado 80217, United States
| | - Christopher Chung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado 80217, United States
| | - Christopher M Yakacki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado 80217, United States
| | - Kevin Long
- Materials and Failure Modeling Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, United States
| | - Kai Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado 80217, United States
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10
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Li Y, Avis SJ, Zhang T, Kusumaatmaja H, Wang X. Tailoring the multistability of origami-inspired, buckled magnetic structures via compression and creasing. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2021; 8:3324-3333. [PMID: 34528049 DOI: 10.1039/d1mh01152a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Origami-inspired multistable structures are gaining increasing interest because of their potential applications in fields ranging from deployable structures to reconfigurable microelectronics. The multistability of such structures is critical for their applications but is challenging to manipulate due to the highly nonlinear deformations and complex configurations of the structures. Here, a comprehensive experimental and computational study is reported to tailor the multistable states of origami-inspired, buckled ferromagnetic structures and their reconfiguration paths. Using ribbon structures as an example, a design phase diagram is constructed as a function of the crease number and compressive strain. As the crease number increases from 0 to 7, the number of distinct stable states first increases and then decreases. The multistability is also shown to be actively tuned by varying the strain from 0% to 40%. Furthermore, analyzing energy barriers for reconfiguration among the stable states reveals dynamic changes in reconfiguration paths with increasing strains. Guided by studies above, diverse examples are designed and demonstrated, from programmable structure arrays to a soft robot. These studies lay out the foundation for the rational design of functional, multistable structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Samuel J Avis
- Department of Physics, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
| | - Teng Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
| | | | - Xueju Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
- Polymer program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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