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Jayoti D, Peeketi AR, Kumbhar PY, Swaminathan N, Annabattula RK. Geometry Controlled Oscillations in Liquid Crystal Polymer Films Triggered by Thermal Feedback. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:18362-18371. [PMID: 36975405 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c02472] [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
Light-induced oscillatory behavior of liquid crystal polymer network (LCN) films has been demonstrated by several researchers in the past decade. Similarly, oscillations in LCN films under constant thermal stimulus have been reported recently, although the mechanism and the factors that govern the oscillatory behavior are not well understood. In this work, we study the dynamics of self-sustained oscillations exhibited by LCN films under a constant thermal stimulus through experiments and simulations. Geometrically asymmetric films such as a right triangle and an equilateral triangle are obtained from a twisted nematic square film. A multiphysics computational framework using the finite element method is developed to simulate the oscillatory behavior of the LCN films kept on a hot plate. The framework accounts for a coupling between heat transfer and mechanical deformations during the oscillations. Small temperature fluctuations (≈ 1 °C) coupled with gravity induced torque are shown to drive the oscillatory behavior at a specific plate temperature. We show for the first time that self-sustained oscillations can also be achieved in symmetric shapes, such as square films, by creating a thickness tapering between two opposite edges. The frequency of the oscillations is found to be in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 Hz for different geometries studied. The oscillation temperature depends on the mean thickness, size, and thickness profile of the films. As a possible application, we demonstrate a thermally actuated optical chopper using the oscillatory response of the films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Jayoti
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Akhil Reddy Peeketi
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Pramod Yallappa Kumbhar
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Narasimhan Swaminathan
- Center for Soft and Biological Matter, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
- 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
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
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Peeketi AR, Sol JAHP, Swaminathan N, Schenning APHJ, Debije MG, Annabattula RK. Calla Lily flower inspired morphing of flat films to conical tubes. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20220492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akhil R. Peeketi
- Center for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai India
| | - Jeroen A. H. P. Sol
- Laboratory of Stimuli‐Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Narasimhan Swaminathan
- Center for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai India
| | - Albert P. H. J. Schenning
- Laboratory of Stimuli‐Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Micheal G. Debije
- Laboratory of Stimuli‐Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Ratna K. Annabattula
- Center for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai India
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Jayoti D, Peeketi AR, Annabattula RK, Prasad SK. Dynamics of the photo-thermo-mechanical actuations in NIR-dye doped liquid crystal polymer networks. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:3358-3368. [PMID: 35411357 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00156j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We describe photo-thermo-mechanical actuation and its dynamics in thin films of a liquid crystal networks (LCN) under near infrared (NIR) illumination through experiments and simulations. Splay aligned films of different thicknesses (25 μm to 100 μm) were obtained by crosslinking a mixture of mono-functional and bi-functional liquid crystal monomers. The NIR-driven thermo-mechanical actuation was achieved by adding an NIR dye to the monomer mixture. The absorption of incoming radiation by the dye molecules raises the local temperature of the film causing an order-disorder (nematic-isotropic) transition, thereby resulting in a macroscopic shape change. We have investigated the effect of film thickness, NIR laser power and dye concentration on the tip displacement of the films in a cantilever configuration. The experimental findings and finite element simulation results are in reasonably good quantitative agreement. Despite using lower NIR powers than typically employed, the films show high actuation and large displacements. After achieving saturation in actuation, the films exhibit a flutter behavior which is discussed in light of the observed overshoot in the tip displacement for certain intensities and thicknesses. Finally, using a solar simulator, we also show the visible light response of the film.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Jayoti
- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Shivanapura, Bengaluru 562162, India.
- Center for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600036, India
| | - Akhil R Peeketi
- Center for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600036, India
| | - Ratna K Annabattula
- Center for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600036, India
| | - S Krishna Prasad
- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Shivanapura, Bengaluru 562162, India.
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Del Pozo M, Sol JAHP, Schenning APHJ, Debije MG. 4D Printing of Liquid Crystals: What's Right for Me? ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2104390. [PMID: 34716625 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202104390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen major advances in the developments of both additive manufacturing concepts and responsive materials. When combined as 4D printing, the process can lead to functional materials and devices for use in health, energy generation, sensing, and soft robots. Among responsive materials, liquid crystals, which can deliver programmed, reversible, rapid responses in both air and underwater, are a prime contender for additive manufacturing, given their ease of use and adaptability to many different applications. In this paper, selected works are compared and analyzed to come to a didactical overview of the liquid crystal-additive manufacturing junction. Reading from front to back gives the reader a comprehensive understanding of the options and challenges in the field, while researchers already experienced in either liquid crystals or additive manufacturing are encouraged to scan through the text to see how they can incorporate additive manufacturing or liquid crystals into their own work. The educational text is closed with proposals for future research in this crossover field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Del Pozo
- Laboratory for Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen A H P Sol
- Laboratory for Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Laboratory for Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Michael G Debije
- Laboratory for Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven, 5612 AE, The Netherlands
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Pozo MD, Sol JAHP, van Uden SHP, Peeketi AR, Lugger SJD, Annabattula RK, Schenning APHJ, Debije MG. Patterned Actuators via Direct Ink Writing of Liquid Crystals. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:59381-59391. [PMID: 34870984 PMCID: PMC8678986 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators allowing multifunctional, multishape deformations based on single polymer films or bilayers remain challenging to produce. In this contribution, direct ink writing is used for generating patterned actuators, which are in between single- and bilayer films, with multifunctionality and a plurality of possible shape changes in a single object. The key is to use the controlled deposition of a light-responsive liquid crystal ink with direct ink writing to partially cover a foil at strategic locations. We found patterned films with 40% coverage of the passive substrate by an active material outperformed "standard" fully covered bilayers. By patterning the film as two stripes, a range of motions, including left- and right-handed twisting and bending in orthogonal directions, could be controllably induced in the same actuator. The partial coverage also left space for applying liquid crystal inks with other functionalities, exemplified by fabricating a light-responsive green reflective actuator whose reflection can be switched "on" and "off". The results presented here serve as a toolbox for the design and fabrication of patterned actuators with dramatically expanded shape deformation and functionality capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc del Pozo
- Laboratory
for Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen A. H. P. Sol
- Laboratory
for Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan H. P. van Uden
- Laboratory
for Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Akhil R. Peeketi
- Center
for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Sean J. D. Lugger
- Laboratory
for Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ratna K. Annabattula
- Center
for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Albert P. H. J. Schenning
- Laboratory
for Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Michael G. Debije
- Laboratory
for Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices (SFD), Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology (TU/e), Groene Loper 3, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Ramgopal A, Peeketi AR, Annabattula RK. Numerical analysis and design of a light-driven liquid crystal polymer-based motorless miniature cart. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:7714-7728. [PMID: 34342313 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00411e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal polymers are a special class of soft materials that can change their shape in response to numerous stimuli such as light, heat, electric field, and chemicals. The ability to tailor the deformed shape by tuning the alignment of mesogens across the film has enabled the researchers to generate unique motions from these liquid crystal polymer thin films. Simulating such motions might allow us to understand the underlying mechanisms better and could lead to novel designs. In this paper, we analyze the kinematics of the light-driven rolling motion of wheels fabricated with azobenzene-doped glassy liquid crystal networks through a one-way coupled transient photo-mechanical model. The influence of the isomerization parameters and the alignment of mesogens through the thickness on the kinematics of the wheel is presented. The developed model is further used to assess the feasibility of a light-actuated four-wheeled cart with wheels made of azobenzene-doped liquid crystal network thin films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adithya Ramgopal
- Center for Responsive Soft Matter, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India.
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Hoekstra DC, Debije MG, Schenning APHJ. Triple-Shape-Memory Soft Actuators from an Interpenetrating Network of Hybrid Liquid Crystals. Macromolecules 2021; 54:5410-5416. [PMID: 34176962 PMCID: PMC8223483 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the formation of triple-shape-memory liquid crystalline-interpenetrating polymer network (LC-IPN) actuators based on a hybrid acrylate-oxetane LC mixture is reported. Orthogonal polymerization of the oxetane and acrylate liquid crystals creates polymer films with two distinct glass-transition temperatures. The use of these two transitions for one-way triple-shape-memory actuation and two-way bending actuation with a broad temperature window for actuation is demonstrated. Our results combine shape memory polymers with liquid crystal-based soft actuators having advanced stimuli-responsive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davey C Hoekstra
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Michael G Debije
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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8
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Osotsi MI, Zhang W, Zada I, Gu J, Liu Q, Zhang D. Butterfly wing architectures inspire sensor and energy applications. Natl Sci Rev 2021; 8:nwaa107. [PMID: 34691587 PMCID: PMC8288439 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwaa107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural biological systems are constantly developing efficient mechanisms to counter adverse effects of increasing human population and depleting energy resources. Their intelligent mechanisms are characterized by the ability to detect changes in the environment, store and evaluate information, and respond to external stimuli. Bio-inspired replication into man-made functional materials guarantees enhancement of characteristics and performance. Specifically, butterfly architectures have inspired the fabrication of sensor and energy materials by replicating their unique micro/nanostructures, light-trapping mechanisms and selective responses to external stimuli. These bio-inspired sensor and energy materials have shown improved performance in harnessing renewable energy, environmental remediation and health monitoring. Therefore, this review highlights recent progress reported on the classification of butterfly wing scale architectures and explores several bio-inspired sensor and energy applications.
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Verpaalen RC, Engels T, Schenning APHJ, Debije MG. Stimuli-Responsive Shape Changing Commodity Polymer Composites and Bilayers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:38829-38844. [PMID: 32805900 PMCID: PMC7472435 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c10802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Commodity polymers are produced in large volumes, providing robust mechanical properties at relatively low costs. The products made from these commodity polymers typically offer only static functionalities. Over the past decade, however, in the scientific literature, stimuli-responsive additives and/or polymer coatings have been introduced to commodity polymers, yielding composites and bilayers that change shape in response to light, temperature, and/or humidity. These stimuli responsive commodity polymers allow the marketing and sales of these otherwise bulk products as "high-end" smart materials for applications spanning from soft actuators to adaptive textiles. This Spotlight on Applications presents an overview of recent intriguing works on how shape changing commodity polymer composite and bilayer actuators based on polyamide 6, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyethylene, and polypropylene have been fabricated that respond to environmental stimuli and discusses their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob C.
P. Verpaalen
- Laboratory
of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Engels
- DSM
Material Science Center, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Technology Institute, Polymer
Technology Group, Eindhoven University of
Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P. H. J. Schenning
- Laboratory
of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Michael G. Debije
- Laboratory
of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Anju VP, Pratoori R, Gupta DK, Joshi R, Annabattula RK, Ghosh P. Controlled shape morphing of solvent free thermoresponsive soft actuators. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:4162-4172. [PMID: 32319974 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00020e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
High performance thermoresponsive soft, controllable and reversible actuators are highly desirable for diverse applications. The practical implementation of the existing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNipam) based soft thermoresponsive actuators faces serious limitations due to their functional requirement of proximal bulk solvent medium. In this work, addressing this issue, we report the development of a bilayer based actuator composed of a solvent responsive biodegradable polymer and temperature responsive pNipam. The designed bilayer is capable of achieving reversible and irreversible actuation as needed when exposed to a physiological range of body temperature, without any solvent bath around. The solvent or water supplied by the pNipam layer at its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) builds a concentration gradient across the thickness of the polymer layer. The concentration gradient results in a strain gradient, causing an out-of-plane folding of the bilayer. The underlying coupled diffusion-deformation interaction during folding and unfolding is incorporated in the reported finite element model, capable of predicting actuation characteristics under different initial conditions. The combined experimental and modelling effort in this work highlights the possibility of engineering 2-dimensional films into complex 3-dimensional shapes, which could have potential applications in soft machines and robotics.
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Verpaalen RCP, Souren AEJ, Debije MG, Engels TAP, Bastiaansen CWM, Schenning APHJ. Unravelling humidity-gated, temperature responsive bilayer actuators. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:2753-2759. [PMID: 32083272 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00030b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
By spraying liquid crystal mixtures onto stretched polyamide 6 (PA6) substrates, dual-responsive heat/humidity bilayer actuators are generated. The oriented PA6 guides the self-organization of the liquid crystal monomers into well-aligned, anisotropic liquid crystal networks. The bilayer responds to changes in the environmental relative humidity, resulting in bending of the actuator with the liquid crystal network inside the curvature. In contrast, in conditions of constant high humidity (80%RH), increasing the temperature triggers the liquid crystal network coating to bend the bilayer in the opposing direction. The dual-responsivity to changes in environmental humidity and temperature is examined in detail and discussed theoretically to elucidate the humidity-gated, temperature responsive properties revealing guidelines for fabricating anisotropic bilayer actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob C P Verpaalen
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. and Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), P.O. Box 902, 5600 AX Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anne E J Souren
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Michael G Debije
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Tom A P Engels
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Technology Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands and Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), P.O. Box 902, 5600 AX Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Cees W M Bastiaansen
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. and Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), P.O. Box 902, 5600 AX Eindhoven, The Netherlands and School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Albertus P H J Schenning
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. and Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), P.O. Box 902, 5600 AX Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Pilz da Cunha M, Ambergen S, Debije MG, Homburg EFGA, den Toonder JMJ, Schenning APHJ. A Soft Transporter Robot Fueled by Light. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1902842. [PMID: 32154076 PMCID: PMC7055549 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201902842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mobile organisms with ability for locomotion and transportation, such as humans and other animals, utilize orchestrated actuation to perform actions. Mimicking these functionalities in synthetic, light-responsive untethered soft-bodied devices remains a challenge. Inspired by multitasking and mobile biological systems, an untethered soft transporter robot with controlled multidirectional locomotion with the ability of picking up, transporting, and delivering cargo driven entirely by blue light is created. The soft robot design is an ensemble of light-responsive liquid crystalline polymers that can harness motion either collectively or individually to obtain a high degree of motion control for the execution of advanced tasks in a dry environment. Through orchestrated motion of the device's "legs", single displacement strides, which exceed 4 mm and can be taken in any direction, allow for locomotion around objects. Untethered cargo transportation is demonstrated by a pickup and release mechanism using the device's "arms". This strategy demonstrates the constructive harnessing of orchestrated motion in assemblies of established actuators, performing complex functions, mimicking constructive behavior seen in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Pilz da Cunha
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyDen Dolech 25600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Laboratory of Stimuli‐Responsive Functional Materials & DevicesDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Ambergen
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyDen Dolech 25600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Michael G. Debije
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyDen Dolech 25600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Laboratory of Stimuli‐Responsive Functional Materials & DevicesDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Erik F. G. A. Homburg
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyDen Dolech 25600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Jaap M. J. den Toonder
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyDen Dolech 25600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Albert P. H. J. Schenning
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyDen Dolech 25600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Laboratory of Stimuli‐Responsive Functional Materials & DevicesDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
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Belmonte A, Ussembayev YY, Bus T, Nys I, Neyts K, Schenning APHJ. Dual Light and Temperature Responsive Micrometer-Sized Structural Color Actuators. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1905219. [PMID: 31793728 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201905219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Externally induced color- and shape-changes in micrometer-sized objects are of great interest in novel application fields such as optofluidics and microrobotics. In this work, light and temperature responsive micrometer-sized structural color actuators based on cholesteric liquid-crystalline (CLC) polymer particles are presented. The particles are synthesized by suspension polymerization using a reactive CLC monomer mixture having a light responsive azobenzene dye. The particles exhibit anisotropic spot-like and arc-like reflective colored domains ranging from red to blue. Electron microscopy reveals a multidirectional asymmetric arrangement of the cholesteric layers in the particles and numerical simulations elucidate the anisotropic optical properties. Upon light exposure, the particles show reversible asymmetric shape deformations combined with structural color changes. When the temperature is increased above the liquid crystal-isotropic phase transition temperature of the particles, the deformation is followed by a reduction or disappearance of the reflection. Such dual light and temperature responsive structural color actuators are interesting for a variety of micrometer-sized devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Belmonte
- Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- SCNU-TUE Joint Laboratory of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), South China Normal University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 510006, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yera Ye Ussembayev
- Liquid Crystals and Photonics Group, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park - Campus A 126, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Bus
- Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- SCNU-TUE Joint Laboratory of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), South China Normal University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 510006, Guangzhou, China
| | - Inge Nys
- Liquid Crystals and Photonics Group, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park - Campus A 126, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristiaan Neyts
- Liquid Crystals and Photonics Group, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park - Campus A 126, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Albertus P H J Schenning
- Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- SCNU-TUE Joint Laboratory of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), South China Normal University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, 510006, Guangzhou, China
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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15
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Abstract
The present editorial paper analyzes the hundred recent research works on soft actuation to understand the current main research focus in the light of the grand challenges in the field. Two characteristic paper types were obtained: one focuses on soft actuator design, manufacturing and demonstration, while another includes in addition the development of functional materials. Although vast majority of the works showcased soft actuation, evaluation of its robustness by multi-cyclic actuation was reported in less than 50% of the works, while only 10% described successful actuation for more than 1000 cycles. It is suggested that broadening the research focus to include investigation of mechanisms underlying the degradation of soft functional material performance in real cyclic actuation conditions, along with application of artificial intelligence methods for prediction of muscle behavior, may allow overcoming the reliability issues and developing robust soft-material actuators. The outcomes of the present work might be applicable to the entire soft robotics domain.
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16
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Begum N, Kaur S, Mohiuddin G, Nandi R, Gupta SP, Rao NVS, Pal SK. Structural Understanding, Photoswitchability, and Supergelation of a New Class of Four Ring-Based Bent-Shaped Liquid Crystal. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:4443-4451. [PMID: 31042387 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b01456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report a new type of azobenzene-based unsymmetrical bent-core molecules exhibiting photoswitchability in the liquid crystalline state, solid state, and solution state and in mixture upon UV irradiation and intense visible light. The compounds exhibited solid-state photochromism upon exposure to UV light, whereas in liquid crystalline state, reversible phase transitions were observed via both UV irradiation and intense visible light exposure. Crystal structure analysis reveals the basic structural understanding such as nonplanar bent molecular shape, antiparallel arrangement of the polar bent molecules, intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and different π-π interactions and interdigitation of long alkyl chains. The compounds are also found to act as supergelator toward various organic solvents. Hence, this is an excellent example of such potential bent-shaped liquid crystals that promise an immense perspective for device applications such as optical storage, molecular switches, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazma Begum
- Department of Chemistry , Assam University , Silchar 788011 , Assam , India.,Department of Chemical Sciences , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali , Sector-81 , Knowledge City, Manauli 140306 , India
| | - Supreet Kaur
- Department of Chemical Sciences , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali , Sector-81 , Knowledge City, Manauli 140306 , India
| | - Golam Mohiuddin
- Department of Chemical Sciences , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali , Sector-81 , Knowledge City, Manauli 140306 , India
| | - Rajib Nandi
- Department of Chemical Sciences , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali , Sector-81 , Knowledge City, Manauli 140306 , India
| | | | - Nandiraju V S Rao
- Department of Chemistry , Assam University , Silchar 788011 , Assam , India
| | - Santanu Kumar Pal
- Department of Chemical Sciences , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali , Sector-81 , Knowledge City, Manauli 140306 , India
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17
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Pilz da Cunha M, Peeketi AR, Mehta K, Broer DJ, Annabattula RK, Schenning APHJ, Debije MG. A self-sustained soft actuator able to rock and roll. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:11029-11032. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc05329h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline networks of specific geometry are observed to undergo thermally triggered chaotic continual rocking motion and light triggered rolling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Pilz da Cunha
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
- Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Akhil R. Peeketi
- Stimuli-Responsive Systems Laboratory
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)
- 600036 Chennai
- India
| | - Kanishk Mehta
- Stimuli-Responsive Systems Laboratory
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)
- 600036 Chennai
- India
| | - Dirk J. Broer
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
- Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Ratna K. Annabattula
- Stimuli-Responsive Systems Laboratory
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)
- 600036 Chennai
- India
| | - Albert P. H. J. Schenning
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
- Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Michael G. Debije
- Laboratory of Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials & Devices
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
- Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513
- Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
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