1
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Qian N, Hu J, Huang S, Liu Z, Wang M, Keller P, Yang H. Patterned Photonic Actuators with Dynamic Shape-Morphing and Color-Changing Capabilities Fabricated by Athermal Embossing Technology. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202406534. [PMID: 38693606 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202406534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive patterned photonic actuators, characterized by their patterned nano/microscale structures and capacity to demonstrate synergistic color changes and shape morphing in response to external stimuli, have attracted intense scientific attention. However, traditional patterned photonic actuator systems still face limitations such as cumbersome and time-consuming preparation processes and small-scale deformations. Herein, we introduce a facile approach involving an athermal embossing technique to rapidly fabricate patterned photonic actuators based on near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive liquid crystal elastomers. The resulting patterned photonic actuators demonstrate remarkable features, including brilliant angle-dependent structural color, complex three-dimensional actuation, and good color durability under NIR light stimulation. As illustrative demonstrations of the proof-of-concept, we fabricate two light-fuelled patterned photonic soft actuators: a butterfly-inspired actuator that can produce wing-flapping dynamic changes in structural color, and an origami crane-shaped actuator with shape memory, structural color information storage, and dynamic display properties. This strategy provides distinct insights into the design and fabrication of various patterned photonic soft robotic devices and intelligent actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Qian
- Southeast University, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Jun Hu
- Southeast University, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Shuai Huang
- Southeast University, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Zhiyang Liu
- Southeast University, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Meng Wang
- Southeast University, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | | | - Hong Yang
- Southeast University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chem BLDG, Rm. 418, Jiulonghu Campus, Southeast University, 211189, Nanjing, CHINA
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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. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2400557. [PMID: 38419378 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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 Education, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214122, China
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fabrics, College of Textiles and Clothing, Anhui Polytechnic University, Anhui, 241000, China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Xinyue Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Zhiwen Long
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Lingyun Ren
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Xin Xia
- College of Textile and Clothing, Xinjiang University, Urumchi, Xinjiang, 830046, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Jie Li
- Jiangsu Textile Quality Services Inspection Testing Institute, Jiangsu, 210007, China
| | - Pengfei Lv
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Quan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Textile Fabrics, College of Textiles and Clothing, Anhui Polytechnic University, Anhui, 241000, China
| | - Qufu Wei
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214122, China
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Chen W, Tong D, Meng L, Tan B, Lan R, Zhang Q, Yang H, Wang C, Liu K. Knotted Artificial Muscles for Bio-Mimetic Actuation under Deepwater. Adv Mater 2024:e2400763. [PMID: 38641927 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Muscles featuring high frequency and high stroke linear actuation are essential for animals to achieve superior maneuverability, agility, and environmental adaptability. Artificial muscles are yet to match their biological counterparts, due to inferior actuation speed, magnitude, mode, or adaptability. Inspired by the hierarchical structure of natural muscles, artificial muscles are created that are powerful, responsive, robust, and adaptable. The artificial muscles consist of knots braided from 3D printed liquid crystal elastomer fibers and thin heating threads. The unique hierarchical, braided knot structure offers amplified linear stroke, force rate, and damage-tolerance, as verified by both numerical simulations and experiments. In particular, the square knotted artificial muscle shows reliable cycles of actuation at 1Hz in 3000m depth underwater. Potential application is demonstrated by propelling a model boat. Looking ahead, the knotted artificial muscles can empower novel biomedical devices and soft robots to explore various environments, from inside human body to the mysterious deep sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Chen
- Department of Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd., Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Dezhong Tong
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA
| | - Linghan Meng
- Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 135 Chuangxin Rd., Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Bowen Tan
- Department of Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd., Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ruochen Lan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd., Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Qifeng Zhang
- Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 135 Chuangxin Rd., Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Huai Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd., Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 135 Chuangxin Rd., Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd., Beijing, 100871, China
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Fan Q, Tang Y, Sun H, Guo D, Ma J, Guo J. Cluster-Triggered Self-Luminescence, Rapid Self-Healing, and Adaptive Reprogramming Liquid Crystal Elastomers Enabled by Dynamic Imine Bond. Adv Mater 2024:e2401315. [PMID: 38627335 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The integration of advanced functions and diverse practical applications calls for multifunctional liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs); however, the structure-intrinsic luminescence and excellent mechanical properties of LCEs have not yet been explored. In this study, clusteroluminescence (CL)-based LCEs (CL-LCEs) are successfully fabricated without depending on large conjugated structures, thereby avoiding redundant organic synthesis and aggregation-caused quenching. The experimental and theoretical results reveal that secondary amine (-NH-) and imine (-C = N-) groups play vital roles in determining the presence of fluorescence in CL-LCEs. Based on the above observation, the strategy universalization and a molecular library for constructing CL-LCEs are further demonstrated. Meanwhile, the dynamic bond of imine bonds endows the CL-LCE system with rapid self-healing under mild conditions (70 °C in 10 min), excellent stretchability, and adaptive programmable characteristics. Furthermore, the self-luminescent performance enables visual detection of the self-healing process. Finally, CL-based information storage and anticounterfeiting are successfully realized and their applications in fiber actuators and fluorescent textiles are demonstrated. The distinctive luminescence and dynamic chemistry presented in this work has significant implications in elucidating the mechanism of CL and providing new strategies for the rational design of novel multifunctional LCE materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyan Fan
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuting Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Haonan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Dekang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jiawei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jinbao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fibers and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
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Ohzono T, Koyama E. Effects of Operating Mechanical Conditions and Polymer Networks of Nematic Elastomers on Photo-Induced Mechanical Performances. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2300709. [PMID: 38577749 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Photoresponsive liquid-crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are promising candidates for light-controlled soft actuators. Photoinduced stress/strain originates from the changes in mechanical properties after light irradiation. However, the correlation between the photoinduced mechanical performance and in-use conditions such as stress/strain states and polymer network properties (such as effective crosslink density and dangling chain density) remains unexplored for practical applications. Here, isometric photo-induced stress or isotonic strain is investigated at different operating strains or stresses, respectively, on LCEs with polymer network variations, produced by different amounts of solvent during polymerization. As the solvent volume increases, the moduli and photoinduced stresses decrease. However, the photo-induced strain, fracture strain, fracture stress, and viscosity increase. The optical response performance initially increases with the operating strain/stress, peaks at a higher actuation strain/stress, and then, decreases depending on the polymer network. The maximum work densities, which also depend on the operating stress, are in the range of ≈200-300 kJm-3. These findings, highlighting the significant variations in the mechanical performance with the operating stress/strain ranges and amount of solvent used in the synthesis, are critical for designing LCE-based mechanical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Ohzono
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Emiko Koyama
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
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6
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Zhang C, Chen G, Zhang K, Jin B, Zhao Q, Xie T. Repeatedly Programmable Liquid Crystal Dielectric Elastomer with Multimodal Actuation. Adv Mater 2024; 36:e2313078. [PMID: 38231117 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are actuatable under an electric field, whose large strain and fast response speed compare favorably with natural muscles. However, the actuation of DE-based devices is generally limited to a single mode and cannot be reconfigured after fabrication, which pales in comparison to biological counterparts given the ability to alter actuation modes according to external conditions. To address this, liquid crystal dielectric elastomers (LC-DEs) that can alter the dielectric actuation modes based on the thermally triggered shape-changing are prepared. Specifically, the two shapes through the LC phase transition possess different bending stiffness, which leads to distinct actuation modes after an electric field is applied. Moreover, the two shapes can be individually programmed/reprogrammed, that is, the one before the transition is regulated through force-directed solvent evaporation and the one after the transition is via bond exchange-enabled stress relaxation. As such, the multimodal dielectric actuation behaviors upon temperature change can be readily diversified. Meanwhile, the space charge mechanism endows LC-DEs with the significantly reduced driving e-field (8 V µm-1) and bidirectional actuation manners. It is believed this unique adaptivity in the actuation modes under a low electric field shall offer versatile designs for practical soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Guancong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Kaihang Zhang
- Center for X-Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Binjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Center for X-Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
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7
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Kim YB, Yang S, Kim DS. Sidewinder-Inspired Self-Adjusting, Lateral-Rolling Soft Robots for Autonomous Terrain Exploration. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2308350. [PMID: 38286667 PMCID: PMC11005722 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Helical structures of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) hold promise in soft robotics for self-regulated rolling motions. The understanding of their motion paths and potentials for terrain exploration remains limited. This study introduces a self-adjusting, lateral-rolling soft robot inspired by sidewinder snakes. The spring-like LCE helical filaments (HFs) autonomously respond to thermal cues, demonstrating dynamic and sustainable locomotion with adaptive rolling along non-linear paths. By fine-tuning the diameter, pitch, and modulus of the LCE HFs, and the environmental temperature, the movements of the LCE HFs, allowing for exploration of diverse terrains over a 600 cm2 area within a few minutes, can be programmed. LCE HFs are showcased to navigate through over nine obstacles, including maze escaping, terrain exploration, target hunting, and successfully surmounting staircases through adaptable rolling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Been Kim
- Department of Polymer EngineeringPukyong National University45 Yongso‐ro, Nam‐guBusan48513South Korea
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of Pennsylvania3231 Walnut StreetPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Dae Seok Kim
- Department of Polymer EngineeringPukyong National University45 Yongso‐ro, Nam‐guBusan48513South Korea
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8
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Escobar MC, White TJ. Fast and Slow-Twitch Actuation via Twisted Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fibers. Adv Mater 2024:e2401140. [PMID: 38520204 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The performance of robotic systems can benefit from low-density material actuators that emulate muscle typology (e.g., fast and slow twitch) of natural systems. Recent reports detail the thermomechanical, chemical, electrical, and pneumatic response of twisted and coiled fibers. The geometrical constraints imparted on typically commodity materials realize distinguished stimuli-induced actuation including low density, high force, and moderate stroke. Here, actuators are prepared by twisting fibers composed of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). The actuators combine the inherent stimuli-response of LCEs with the geometrical constraints of twisted fiber actuators to dramatically increase the deformation rate, specific work, and achievable force output. In some geometries, the thermomechanical response of the LCE exhibits a pseudo-first-order transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin Colorado Escobar
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Timothy J White
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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9
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Zhou X, Chen G, Jin B, Feng H, Chen Z, Fang M, Yang B, Xiao R, Xie T, Zheng N. Multimodal Autonomous Locomotion of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Soft Robot. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024:e2402358. [PMID: 38520731 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Self-oscillation phenomena observed in nature serve as extraordinary inspiration for designing synthetic autonomous moving systems. Converting self-oscillation into designable self-sustained locomotion can lead to a new generation of soft robots that require minimal/no external control. However, such locomotion is typically constrained to a single mode dictated by the constant surrounding environment. In this study, a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) robot capable of achieving self-sustained multimodal locomotion, with the specific motion mode being controlled via substrate adhesion or remote light stimulation is presented. Specifically, the LCE is mechanically trained to undergo repeated snapping actions to ensure its self-sustained rolling motion in a constant gradient thermal field atop a hotplate. By further fine-tuning the substrate adhesion, the LCE robot exhibits reversible transitions between rolling and jumping modes. In addition, the rolling motion can be manipulated in real time through light stimulation to perform other diverse motions including turning, decelerating, stopping, backing up, and steering around complex obstacles. The principle of introducing an on-demand gate control offers a new venue for designing future autonomous soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Guancong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Binjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Haijun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Zike Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Mengqi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Bo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Rui Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Ning Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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10
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Chen G, Ma B, Chen Y, Chen Y, Zhang J, Liu H. Soft Robots with Plant-Inspired Gravitropism Based on Fluidic Liquid Metal. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024:e2306129. [PMID: 38447146 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Plants can autonomously adjust their growth direction based on the gravitropic response to maximize energy acquisition, despite lacking nerves and muscles. Endowing soft robots with gravitropism may facilitate the development of self-regulating systems free of electronics, but remains elusive. Herein, acceleration-regulated soft actuators are described that can respond to the gravitational field by leveraging the unique fluidity of liquid metal in its self-limiting oxide skin. The soft actuator is obtained by magnetic printing of the fluidic liquid metal heater circuit on a thermoresponsive liquid crystal elastomer. The Joule heat of the liquid metal circuit with gravity-regulated resistance can be programmed by changing the actuator's pose to induce the flow of liquid metal. The actuator can autonomously adjust its bending degree by the dynamic interaction between its thermomechanical response and gravity. A gravity-interactive soft gripper is also created with controllable grasping and releasing by rotating the actuator. Moreover, it is demonstrated that self-regulated oscillation motion can be achieved by interfacing the actuator with a monostable tape spring, allowing the electronics-free control of a bionic walker. This work paves the avenue for the development of liquid metal-based reconfigurable electronics and electronics-free soft robots that can perceive gravity or acceleration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Biao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yanjie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
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11
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Deng Z, Zhang H, Priimagi A, Zeng H. Light-Fueled Nonreciprocal Self-Oscillators for Fluidic Transportation and Coupling. Adv Mater 2024; 36:e2209683. [PMID: 36525600 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Light-fueled self-oscillators based on soft actuating materials have triggered novel designs for small-scale robotic constructs that self-sustain their motion at non-equilibrium states and possess bioinspired autonomy and adaptive functions. However, the motions of most self-oscillators are reciprocal, which hinders their use in sophisticated biomimetic functions such as fluidic transportation. Here, an optically powered soft material strip that can perform nonreciprocal, cilia-like, self-sustained oscillation under water is reported. The actuator is made of planar-aligned liquid crystal elastomer responding to visible light. Two laser beams from orthogonal directions allow for piecewise control over the strip deformation, enabling two self-shadowing effects coupled in one single material to yield nonreciprocal strokes. The nonreciprocity, stroke pattern and handedness are connected to the fluidic pumping efficiency, which can be controlled by the excitation conditions. Autonomous microfluidic pumping in clockwise and anticlockwise directions, translocation of a micro-object by liquid propulsion, and coupling between two oscillating strips through liquid medium interaction are demonstrated. The results offer new concepts for non-equilibrium soft actuators that can perform bio-like functions under water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Deng
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, FI 33101, Finland
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Espoo, FI 02150, Finland
| | - Arri Priimagi
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, FI 33101, Finland
| | - Hao Zeng
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, FI 33101, Finland
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12
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Jeong YJ, Park SY. Light-Responsive Actuator of Azobenzene-Containing Main-Chain Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Allyl Sulfide Dynamic Exchangeable Linkages. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024; 16:2788-2801. [PMID: 38170866 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Herein, a light-responsive and light-induced bond-exchange-reaction (BER)-capable actuator of the monodomain liquid crystal elastomer (xMLCEazo), developed using main-chain mesogenic oligomers containing azobenzene and allyl sulfide linkages, is investigated. Large quantities of the azobenzene and allyl dithiol linkages are incorporated into the main-chain mesogenic oligomer prepared via thiol-acrylate Michael addition polymerization (TAMAP). The xMLCEazo film is generated via visible-light-induced BER of the drawn polydomain xLCEazo (xPLCEazo) film prepared via TAMAP of tetrathiol cross-linkers and diacrylate-terminated mesogenic oligomers. The xMLCEazo film exhibits large length actuation (38%) through the photothermal effect, along with excellent self-healing and reprogramming properties, under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. UV light induced BER of the xMLCEazo film is used to develop complex-shaped actuators with a bilayer film, containing the xMLCEazo and xPLCEazo films, which are bonded by the UV light induced BER without glue. The individual arm of the complex eight-arm flower is remotely actuated under UV light irradiation, and a circular band is rolled under blue laser light irradiation, demonstrating the local remote-controlled actuation and fuel-free motion of the motile soft robot using light irradiation, respectively. Thus, the xMLCEazo film can be expanded to other interesting applications requiring reprogrammable, self-healing, reprocessable, patternable, and remote-controlled light-triggered elastic, rubber-like actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Jeong Jeong
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymeric Nano Materials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Young Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymeric Nano Materials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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13
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Lei B, Wen ZY, Wang HK, Gao J, Chen LJ. Bioinspired Jumping Soft Actuators of the Liquid Crystal Elastomer Enabled by Photo-Mechanical Coupling. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024; 16:1596-1604. [PMID: 38153381 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Jumping, a fundamental survival behavior observed in organisms, serves as a vital mechanism for adapting to the surrounding environment and overcoming significant obstacles within a given terrain. Here, we present a light-controlled soft jumping actuator inspired by asphondylia, which employs a closed-loop structure and utilizes a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE). Photo-mechanical coupling highlights the significant influence of the light source on the actuator's jumping behavior. Manipulating the light intensity, the relative position of stimulus and light lock, and the concentration of disperse red 1 (DR1) allows precise control over both the maximum take-off velocity and jump height. Furthermore, tailoring the size of the LCE actuator offers a means of regulating jumping behavior. Upon exposure to 460 nm LED irradiation, our actuator achieves remarkable performance, with a maximum jumping height of 10 body length (BL) and take-off velocity of 62 BL/s. These actuators accumulate and rapidly release energy, enabling the effective transportation of microcargos across substantial distances. Our research yields valuable insights into the realm of soft robotics, underscoring the pivotal importance of photo-mechanical coupling in the field of soft robotics, thereby serving as a catalyst for inspiring continued exploration of agile and capable systems by prestoring elastic energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Lei
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hua-Kun Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Digital Simulations for Coastal Civil Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Digital Simulations for Coastal Civil Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lu-Jian Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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14
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Tian X, Guo Y, Zhang J, Ivasishin OM, Jia J, Yan J. Fiber Actuators Based on Reversible Thermal Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer. Small 2024:e2306952. [PMID: 38175860 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Soft actuators inspired by the movement of organisms have attracted extensive attention in the fields of soft robotics, electronic skin, artificial intelligence, and healthcare due to their excellent adaptability and operational safety. Liquid crystal elastomer fiber actuators (LCEFAs) are considered as one of the most promising soft actuators since they can provide reversible linear motion and are easily integrated or woven into complex structures to perform pre-programmed movements such as stretching, rotating, bending, and expanding. The research on LCEFAs mainly focuses on controllable preparation, structural design, and functional applications. This review, for the first time, provides a comprehensive and systematic review of recent advances in this important field by focusing on reversible thermal response LCEFAs. First, the thermal driving mechanism, and direct and indirect heating strategies of LCEFAs are systematically summarized and analyzed. Then, the fabrication methods and functional applications of LCEFAs are summarized and discussed. Finally, the challenges and technical difficulties that may hinder the performance improvement and large-scale production of LCEFAs are proposed, and the development opportunities of LCEFAs are prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwang Tian
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yongshi Guo
- College of Textile, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Orest M Ivasishin
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jiru Jia
- School of Textile Garment and Design, Changshu Institute of Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215500, China
| | - Jianhua Yan
- College of Textile, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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15
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Sun X, Dai Y, Li K, Xu P. Self-Sustained Chaotic Jumping of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Balloon under Steady Illumination. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4651. [PMID: 38139903 PMCID: PMC10747744 DOI: 10.3390/polym15244651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-sustained chaotic jumping systems composed of active materials are characterized by their ability to maintain motion through drawing energy from the steady external environment, holding significant promise in actuators, medical devices, biomimetic robots, and other fields. In this paper, an innovative light-powered self-sustained chaotic jumping system is proposed, which comprises a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) balloon and an elastic substrate. The corresponding theoretical model is developed by combining the dynamic constitutive model of an LCE with Hertz contact theory. Under steady illumination, the stationary LCE balloon experiences contraction and expansion, and through the work of contact expansion between LCE balloon and elastic substrate, it ultimately jumps up from the elastic substrate, achieving self-sustained jumping. Numerical calculations reveal that the LCE balloon exhibits periodic jumping and chaotic jumping under steady illumination. Moreover, we reveal the mechanism underlying self-sustained periodic jumping of the balloon in which the damping dissipation is compensated through balloon contact with the elastic substrate, as well as the mechanism involved behind self-sustained chaotic jumping. Furthermore, we provide insights into the effects of system parameters on the self-sustained jumping behaviors. The emphasis in this study is on the self-sustained chaotic jumping system, and the variation of the balloon jumping modes with parameters is illustrated through bifurcation diagrams. This work deepens the understanding of chaotic motion, contributes to the research of motion behavior control of smart materials, and provides ideas for the bionic design of chaotic vibrators and chaotic jumping robots.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peibao Xu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (X.S.); (Y.D.); (K.L.)
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16
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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 Appl Mater 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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17
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Li K, Chen J, Hu H, Wu H, Dai Y, Yu Y. A Light-Powered Liquid Crystal Elastomer Roller. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4221. [PMID: 37959899 PMCID: PMC10650120 DOI: 10.3390/polym15214221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving and controlling the desired movements of active machines is generally accomplished through precise control of artificial muscles in a distributed and serialized manner, which is a significant challenge. The emerging motion control strategy based on self-oscillation in active machines has unique advantages, including directly harvesting energy from constant ambient light, and it has no need for complex controllers. Inspired by the roller, we have innovatively developed a self-rolling roller that consists of a roller and a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber. By utilizing a well-established dynamic LCE model and subjecting it to constant illumination, we have investigated the dynamic behavior of the self-rolling roller. Based on numerical calculations, it has been discovered that the roller, when subjected to steady illumination, exhibits two distinct motion regimes: the static regime and the self-rolling regime. The self-rolling regime, characterized by continuous periodic rolling, is sustained by the interaction between light energy and damping dissipation. The continuous periodic rolling observed in the self-rolling regime is maintained through the interplay between the dissipation of damping and the absorption of light energy. In the static state, the rolling angle of the roller begins to decrease rapidly and then converges to zero. Detailed investigations have been conducted to determine the critical conditions required to initiate self-rolling, as well as the essential system parameters that influence its frequency and amplitude. The proposed self-rolling roller has superiorities in its simple structure, light weight, alternative to manual labor, and speediness. This advancement is expected to inspire greater design diversity in micromachines, soft robotics, energy harvesters, and similar areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yong Yu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (K.L.); (J.C.); (H.H.); (H.W.); (Y.D.)
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18
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Wu H, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Vibration of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Strings under Steady Illumination. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3483. [PMID: 37631540 PMCID: PMC10458575 DOI: 10.3390/polym15163483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-vibrating systems based on active materials have been widely developed, but most of the existing self-oscillating systems are complex and difficult to control. To fulfill the requirements of different functions and applications, it is necessary to construct more self-vibrating systems that are easy to control, simple in material preparation and fast in response. This paper proposes a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) string-mass structure capable of continuous vibration under steady illumination. Based on the linear elastic model and the dynamic LCE model, the dynamic governing equations of the LCE string-mass system are established. Through numerical calculation, two regimes of the LCE string-mass system, namely the static regime and the self-vibration regime, are obtained. In addition, the light intensity, contraction coefficient and elastic coefficient of the LCE can increase the amplitude and frequency of the self-vibration, while the damping coefficient suppresses the self-oscillation. The LCE string--mass system proposed in this paper has the advantages of simple structure, easy control and customizable size, which has a wide application prospect in the fields of energy harvesting, autonomous robots, bionic instruments and medical equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (H.W.); (Y.D.)
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19
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Li K, Liu Y, Dai Y, Yu Y. Self-Vibration of a Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fiber-Cantilever System under Steady Illumination. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3397. [PMID: 37631454 PMCID: PMC10458184 DOI: 10.3390/polym15163397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A new type of self-oscillating system has been developed with the potential to expand its applications in fields such as biomedical engineering, advanced robotics, rescue operations, and military industries. This system is capable of sustaining its own motion by absorbing energy from the stable external environment without the need for an additional controller. The existing self-sustained oscillatory systems are relatively complex in structure and difficult to fabricate and control, thus limited in their implementation in practical and complex scenarios. In this paper, we creatively propose a novel light-powered liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber-cantilever system that can perform self-sustained oscillation under steady illumination. Considering the well-established LCE dynamic model, beam theory, and deflection formula, the control equations for the self-oscillating system are derived to theoretically study the dynamics of self-vibration. The LCE fiber-cantilever system under steady illumination is found to exhibit two motion regimes, namely, the static and self-vibration regimes. The positive work done by the tension of the light-powered LCE fiber provides some compensation against the structural resistance from cantilever and the air damping. In addition, the influences of system parameters on self-vibration amplitude and frequency are also studied. The newly constructed light-powered LCE fiber-cantilever system in this paper has a simple structure, easy assembly/disassembly, easy preparation, and strong expandability as a one-dimensional fiber-based system. It is expected to meet the application requirements of practical complex scenarios and has important application value in fields such as autonomous robots, energy harvesters, autonomous separators, sensors, mechanical logic devices, and biomimetic design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yong Yu
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
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20
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Li K, Wu H, Zhang B, Dai Y, Yu Y. Heat-Driven Synchronization in Coupled Liquid Crystal Elastomer Spring Self-Oscillators. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3349. [PMID: 37631406 PMCID: PMC10458843 DOI: 10.3390/polym15163349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-oscillating coupled machines are capable of absorbing energy from the external environment to maintain their own motion and have the advantages of autonomy and portability, which also contribute to the exploration of the field of synchronization and clustering. Based on a thermally responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) spring self-oscillator in a linear temperature field, this paper constructs a coupling and synchronization model of two self-oscillators connected by springs. Based on the existing dynamic LCE model, this paper theoretically reveals the self-oscillation mechanism and synchronization mechanism of two self-oscillators. The results show that adjusting the initial conditions and system parameters causes the coupled system to exhibit two synchronization modes: in-phase mode and anti-phase mode. The work conducted by the driving force compensates for the damping dissipation of the system, thus maintaining self-oscillation. The phase diagrams of different system parameters are drawn to illuminate the self-oscillation and synchronization mechanism. For weak interaction, changing the initial conditions may obtain the modes of in-phase and anti-phase. Under conditions of strong interactions, the system consistently exhibits an in-phase mode. Furthermore, an investigation is conducted on the influence of system parameters, such as the LCE elastic coefficient and spring elastic coefficient, on the amplitudes and frequencies of the two synchronization modes. This study aims to enhance the understanding of self-oscillator synchronization and its potential applications in areas such as energy harvesting, power generation, detection, soft robotics, medical devices and micro/nanodevices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yong Yu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
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21
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Zhang X, Liao W, Wang Y, Yang Z. Thermal-Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foam-based Compressible and Omnidirectional Gripper. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202300340. [PMID: 37325932 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are considered to be a promising material for the fabrication of soft grippers because of their large and reversible deformations, an LCE gripper with suitable compressibility and omnidirectionality has not yet been developed. To overcome these obstacles, this study utilizes salt template method to fabricate a rod-like LCE foam as gripper. The thickness of the compressible foam can be reduced by up to 77%, temporarily maintaining the deformation and enabling the gripper to pass through slits. The foam was aligned along the long axis and the length of the foam exhibits reversible thermal responsiveness and contract up to 57% along its alignment. Additionally, when the foam approaches a heat source, the generated temperature gradient results in a contraction gradient owing to the low thermal conductivity of the LCE foam. This in turn causes the foam to reversibly bend with a bending angle up to 93° and follow the movement of a heat source omnidirectionally. The developed gripper successfully grasps, moves, and releases hot objects in a cold and safe place, demonstrating its potential for emergency disposal. Thus, LCE foams can be considered suitable materials for novel gripper design and construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuhang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liao
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhongqiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
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22
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Li K, Zhang B, Cheng Q, Dai Y, Yu Y. Light-Fueled Synchronization of Two Coupled Liquid Crystal Elastomer Self-Oscillators. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2886. [PMID: 37447528 DOI: 10.3390/polym15132886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The synchronization and group behaviors of self-excited coupled oscillators are common in nature and deserve to be explored, for self-excited motions have the advantages of actively collecting energy from the environment, being autonomous, making equipment portable, and so on. Based on light-powered self-excited oscillators composed of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) bars, the synchronization of two self-excited coupled oscillators is theoretically studied. Numerical calculations show that self-excited oscillations of the system have two synchronization modes, in-phase mode and anti-phase mode, which are mainly determined by their interaction. The time histories of various quantities are calculated to elucidate the mechanism of self-excited oscillation and synchronization. For strong interactions, the system always develops into in-phase synchronization mode, while for weak interaction, the system will evolve into anti-phase synchronization mode. Furthermore, the effects of initial conditions, contraction coefficient, light intensity, and damping coefficient on the two synchronization modes of the self-excited oscillation are investigated extensively. The initial condition generally does not affect the synchronization mode and its amplitude. The amplitude of self-oscillation always increases with increasing contraction coefficient, gravitational acceleration, and light intensity, while it decreases with the increasing damping coefficient. This work will deepen people's understanding of the synchronization behaviors of self-excited coupled oscillators, and the theoretical framework could be extended to scenarios involving large-scale synchronization of the systems with numerous interacting oscillators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Quanbao Cheng
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
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23
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Li K, Lou J, Hu S, Dai Y, Wang F, Yu Y. Vibration of a Liquid Crystal Elastomer Spring Oscillator under Periodic Electrothermal Drive. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2822. [PMID: 37447468 DOI: 10.3390/polym15132822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The oscillations of electrically actuated thermally-responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) microfibers under cyclic electric actuation have been discovered in recent experiments. Periodic electric actuation is a common method of active control with potential applications in the fields of micro-actuators. In this paper, the vibration behavior of LCE spring oscillator under periodic electrothermal drive is studied theoretically. Based on the dynamic LCE model, the dynamic governing equation of the LCE spring oscillator is established, and the time history curves of the vibration are obtained by numerical calculations. The results show that the periodic electrothermal drive can cause periodic vibration of the LCE spring oscillator. With the increase of time rate, the vibration amplitude increases first and then decreases. In a small damping system, there exist optimal sets of electrothermal drive period and electrothermal drive time rate to maximize the system amplitude. For the optimum periodic mode, the vibration amplitude of the spring oscillator is affected by the current heat, damping coefficient, gravital acceleration, spring constant and shrinkage coefficient, but not by the initial velocity. The application examples of LCE materials show that periodic electrothermally driven LCEs have promising applications. The results of this study are instructive for the design of soft robots and LCE-based electric locomotives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Jiangfeng Lou
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Shaofei Hu
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei 230039, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mining Response and Disaster Prevention and Control in Deep Coal Mines, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232002, China
| | - Yong Yu
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
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24
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Liu Z, Jiang Q, Bisoyi HK, Zhu G, Nie ZZ, Jiang K, Yang H, Li Q. Multifunctional Ionic Conductive Anisotropic Elastomers with Self-Wrinkling Microstructures by In Situ Phase Separation. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 37267423 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c04187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Multifunctional flexible sensors are the development trend of wearable electronic devices in the future. As the core of flexible sensors, the key is to construct a stable multifunctional integrated conductive elastomer. Here, ionic conductive elastomers (ICEs) with self-wrinkling microstructures are designed and prepared by in situ phase separation induced by a one-step polymerization reaction. The ICEs are composed of ionic liquids as ionic conductors doped into liquid crystal elastomers. The doped ionic liquids cluster into small droplets and in situ induce the formation of wrinkle structures on the upper surface of the films. The prepared ICEs exhibit mechanochromism, conductivity, large tensile strain, low hysteresis, high cycle stability, and sensitivity during the tension-release process, which achieve dual-mode outputs of optical and electrical signals for information transmission and sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyang Liu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Guanqun Zhu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Zhen-Zhou Nie
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Kun Jiang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Hong Yang
- 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
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
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25
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Zhang H, Yang X, Valenzuela C, Chen Y, Yang Y, Ma S, Wang L, Feng W. Wireless Power Transfer to Electrothermal Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 37227697 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Wireless actuation of electrically driven soft actuators is of paramount importance for the development of bioinspired soft robotics without physical connection or on-board batteries. Here, we demonstrate untethered electrothermal liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuators based on emerging wireless power transfer (WPT) technology. We first design and fabricate electrothermal LCE-based soft actuators that consist of an active LCE layer, a conductive liquid metal-filled polyacrylic acid (LM-PA) layer, and a passive polyimide layer. LM can function not only as an electrothermal transducer to endow resulting soft actuators with electrothermal responsiveness but also as an embedded sensor to track the resistance changes. Various shape-morphing and locomotive modes such as directional bending, chiral helical deformation, and inchworm-inspired crawling can be facilely obtained through appropriately controlling the molecular alignment direction of monodomain LCEs, and the reversible shape-deformation behaviors of resulting soft actuators can be monitored in real-time through resistance changes. Interestingly, untethered electrothermal LCE-based soft actuators have been achieved by designing a closed conductive LM circuit within the actuators and combining it with inductive-coupling WPT technology. When the resulting soft actuator approaches a commercially available wireless power supply system, an induced electromotive force can be generated within the closed LM circuit, which results in Joule heating and wireless actuation. As proof-of-concept illustrations, wirelessly driven soft actuators that can exhibit programmable shape-morphing behaviors are demonstrated. The research disclosed herein can provide insights into the development of bioinspired somatosensory soft actuators, battery-free wireless soft robots, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Cristian Valenzuela
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Yuanhao Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Yanzhao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Shaoshuai Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Wei Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
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26
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Nie ZZ, Wang M, Yang H. Structure-induced Intelligence of Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Chemistry 2023:e202301027. [PMID: 37129950 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are active soft matter-based materials with strong stimulus responsiveness and reversible, large-shape morphing capabilities. LCEs have demonstrated broad and growing applications in soft robotics, wearable devices, artificial muscles, and optical machines. The actuation intelligence and advanced functionality of LCEs depend on the smartness and properties of structures. In this review, we discuss recent advances in structure-induced intelligence of LCEs, specifically the integration of structural properties with the alignment and processing of LCEs. The structural design principles for three categories consisting of common structures (film, fiber, and tubule), smart structures (origami, kirigami, mechanical metamaterial, topology, and topography), and complex structures (monolithic and integrated) are presented. Various alignment controls of LCEs, including mechanical, surface, field-assisted, and shear alignment, are capable of inducing structural properties. The coupling and collaboration mechanisms of the LCE structures and the generated functions are discussed. The review concludes with perspectives on current challenges and emerging opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhou Nie
- Southeast University, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Meng Wang
- Southeast University, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Hong Yang
- Southeast University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chem BLDG, Rm. 418, Jiulonghu Campus, Southeast University, 211189, Nanjing, CHINA
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27
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Cremonini A, Sol JAHP, Schenning APHJ, Masiero S, Debije M. The interplay between different stimuli in a 4D printed photo-, thermal-, and water-responsive liquid crystal elastomer actuator. Chemistry 2023:e202300648. [PMID: 37051945 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202300648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Multi-stimuli responsivity in 3D-printed objects is receiving much attention. However, the simultaneous interplay between different environmental stimuli is largely unexplored. In this work, we demonstrate direct ink writing of an oligomeric ink containing an azobenzene photo-switch with an accessible hydrogen bond allowing triple responsivity to light, heat, and water. The resulting printed liquid crystal elastomer performs multiple actuations, the response depending on the environmental conditions. Films printed on a static substrate forming bilayers can rapidly change shape, bending almost 80 degrees if irradiated in air or undergoing a shrinkage of about 50% of its length when heated. The bilayer film assumes dramatically different shapes in water depending on combined environmental temperature and lighting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Cremonini
- Università di Bologna: Universita di Bologna, 1Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", ITALY
| | - Jeroen A H P Sol
- Eindhoven University of Technology: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, NETHERLANDS
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Eindhoven University of Technology: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, NETHERLANDS
| | - Stefano Masiero
- Università di Bologna: Universita di Bologna, 1Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", ITALY
| | - Michael Debije
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Chem Eng & Chem, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, NETHERLANDS
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28
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Wang Y, He Q, Wang Z, Zhang S, Li C, Wang Z, Park YL, Cai S. Liquid Crystal Elastomer Based Dexterous Artificial Motor Unit. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2211283. [PMID: 36806211 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the great advancement in designing diverse soft robots, they are not yet as dexterous as animals in many aspects. One challenge is that they still lack the compact design of an artificial motor unit with a great comprehensive performance that can be conveniently fabricated, although many recently developed artificial muscles have shown excellent properties in one or two aspects. Herein, an artificial motor unit is developed based on gold-coated ultrathin liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) film. Subject to a voltage, Joule heating generated by the gold film increases the temperature of the LCE film underneath and causes it to contract. Due to the small thermal inertial and electrically controlling method of the ultrathin LCE structure, its cyclic actuation speed is fast and controllable. It is shown that under electrical stimulation, the actuation strain of the LCE-based motor unit reaches 45%, the strain rate reaches 750%/s, and the output power density is as high as 1360 W kg-1 . It is further demonstrated that the LCE-based motor unit behaves like an actuator, a brake, or a nonlinear spring on demand, analogous to most animal muscles. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, multiple highly dexterous artificial neuromuscular systems are demonstrated using the LCE-based motor unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Qiguang He
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Zhijian Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Shengjia Zhang
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Chenghai Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Zijun Wang
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yong-Lae Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Shengqiang Cai
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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29
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Yang J, Zhang H, Berdin A, Hu W, Zeng H. Dandelion-Inspired, Wind-Dispersed Polymer-Assembly Controlled by Light. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2023; 10:e2206752. [PMID: 36574479 PMCID: PMC9982548 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The rise of stimuli-responsive polymers has brought about a wealth of materials for small-scale, wirelessly controlled soft-bodied robots. Thinking beyond conventional robotic mobilities already demonstrated in synthetic systems, such as walking, swimming and jumping, flying in air by dispersal, gliding, or even hovering is a frontier yet to be explored by responsive materials. The demanding requirements for actuator's performance, lightweight, and effective aerodynamic design underlie the grand challenges. Here, a soft matter-based porous structure capable of wind-assisted dispersal and lift-off/landing action under the control of a light beam is reported. The design is inspired by the seed of dandelion, resembling several biomimetic features, i.e., high porosity, lightweight, and separated vortex ring generation under a steady wind flow. Superior to its natural counterparts, this artificial seed is equipped with a soft actuator made of light-responsive liquid crystalline elastomer, which induces reversible opening/closing actions of the bristles upon visible light excitation. This shape-morphing enables manual tuning of terminal velocity, drag coefficient, and wind threshold for dispersal. Optically controlled wind-assisted lift-off and landing actions, and a light-induced local accumulation in descending structures are demonstrated. The results offer novel approaches for wirelessly controlled, miniatured devices that can passively navigate over a large aerial space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Yang
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural SciencesTampere UniversityP.O. Box 541TampereFI‐33101Finland
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Applied PhysicsAalto UniversityP.O. Box 15100EspooFI‐02150Finland
| | - Alex Berdin
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural SciencesTampere UniversityP.O. Box 541TampereFI‐33101Finland
| | - Wenqi Hu
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart70569StuttgartGermany
| | - Hao Zeng
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural SciencesTampere UniversityP.O. Box 541TampereFI‐33101Finland
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30
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Chen J, Jiang J, Weber J, Gimenez-Pinto V, Peng C. Shape Morphing by Topological Patterns and Profiles in Laser-Cut Liquid Crystal Elastomer Kirigami. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:4538-4548. [PMID: 36637983 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c20295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Programming shape changes in soft materials requires precise control of the directionality and magnitude of their mechanical response. Among ordered soft materials, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) exhibit remarkable and programmable shape shifting when their molecular order changes. In this work, we synthesized, remotely programmed, and modeled reversible and complex morphing in monolithic LCE kirigami encoded with predesigned topological patterns in its microstructure. We obtained a rich variety of out-of-plane shape transformations, including auxetic structures and undulating morphologies, by combining different topological microstructures and kirigami geometries. The spatiotemporal shape-shifting behaviors are well recapitulated by elastodynamics simulations, revealing that the complex shape changes arise from integrating the custom-cut geometry with local director profiles defined by topological defects inscribed in the material. Different functionalities, such as a bioinspired fluttering butterfly, a flower bud, dual-rotation light mills, and dual-mode locomotion, are further realized. Our proposed LCE kirigami with topological patterns opens opportunities for the future development of multifunctional devices for soft robotics, flexible electronics, and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jinghua Jiang
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jada Weber
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, United States
| | - Vianney Gimenez-Pinto
- Physics and Chemistry, Department of Science, Technology and Mathematics, Lincoln University of Missouri, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101, United States
| | - Chenhui Peng
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, United States
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31
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Liu J, Zhao J, Wu H, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Oscillating Curling of a Liquid Crystal Elastomer Beam under Steady Light. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15020344. [PMID: 36679225 PMCID: PMC9863816 DOI: 10.3390/polym15020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-oscillation absorbs energy from a steady environment to maintain its own continuous motion, eliminating the need to carry a power supply and controller, which will make the system more lightweight and promising for applications in energy harvesting, soft robotics, and microdevices. In this paper, we present a self-oscillating curling liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) beam-mass system, which is placed on a table and can self-oscillate under steady light. Unlike other self-sustaining systems, the contact surface of the LCE beam with the tabletop exhibits a continuous change in size during self-sustaining curling, resulting in a dynamic boundary problem. Based on the dynamic LCE model, we establish a nonlinear dynamic model of the self-oscillating curling LCE beam considering the dynamic boundary conditions, and numerically calculate its dynamic behavior using the Runge-Kutta method. The existence of two motion patterns in the LCE beam-mass system under steady light are proven by numerical calculation, namely self-curling pattern and stationary pattern. When the energy input to the system exceeds the energy dissipated by air damping, the LCE beam undergoes self-oscillating curling. Furthermore, we investigate the effects of different dimensionless parameters on the critical conditions, the amplitude and the period of the self-curling of LCE beam. Results demonstrate that the light source height, curvature coefficient, light intensity, elastic modulus, damping factor, and gravitational acceleration can modulate the self-curling amplitude and period. The self-curling LCE beam system proposed in this study can be applied to autonomous robots, energy harvesters, and micro-instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiu Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Building Structure and Underground Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Junjie Zhao
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Haiyang Wu
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Kai Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Building Structure and Underground Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- College of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- Correspondence:
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32
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Wang Z, Raistrick T, Street A, Reynolds M, Liu Y, Gleeson HF. Direct Observation of Biaxial Nematic Order in Auxetic Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Materials (Basel) 2022; 16:ma16010393. [PMID: 36614732 PMCID: PMC9822019 DOI: 10.3390/ma16010393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Auxetic materials exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio, i.e., they become thicker rather than thinner in at least one dimension when strained. Recently, a nematic liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) was shown to be the first synthetic auxetic material at a molecular level. Understanding the mechanism of the auxetic response in LCEs is clearly important, and it has been suggested through detailed Raman scattering studies that it is related to the reduction of uniaxial order and emergence of biaxial order on strain. In this paper, we demonstrate direct observation of the biaxial order in an auxetic LCE under strain. We fabricated ~100 μm thick LCE strips with complementary geometries, exhibiting either planar or homeotropic alignment, in which the auxetic response is seen in the thickness or width of the sample, respectively. Polarized Raman scattering measurements on the planar sample show directly the reduction in the uniaxial order parameters on strain and suggest the emergence of biaxial order to mediate the auxetic response in the sample thickness. The homeotropic sample is studied via conoscopy, allowing direct observation of both the auxetic response in the width of the sample and increasing biaxiality in the LCE as it is strained. We verified that the mechanism of the auxetic response in auxetic LCEs is due to the emergence of the biaxial order and conclude such materials can be added to the small number of biaxial nematic systems that have been observed. Importantly, we also show that the mechanical Frèedericksz transition seen in some LCEs is consistent with a strain-induced transition from an optically positive to an optically negative biaxial system under strain, rather than a director rotation in a uniaxial system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenming Wang
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Thomas Raistrick
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Aidan Street
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Matthew Reynolds
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Yanjun Liu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Helen F. Gleeson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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Sun C, Zhang S, Ren Y, Zhang J, Shen J, Qin S, Hu W, Zhu S, Yang H, Yang D. Force-Induced Synergetic Pigmentary and Structural Color Change of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer with Nanoparticle-Enhanced Mechanosensitivity. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2205325. [PMID: 36310104 PMCID: PMC9798961 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The ability of some animals to rapidly change their colors can greatly improve their chances of escaping predators or hunting prey. A classic example is cephalopods, which can rapidly shift through a wide range of colors. This ability is based on the synergetic effect of the change of pigmentary and structural colors exhibited by their own two categories of color-changing cells: supernatant chromatophores offer various pigmentary colors and lower iridophores or leucophores reflect the different structural colors by adjusting their periodicities. Here, a mechanochromic liquid crystalline elastomer with force-induced synergetic pigmentary and structural color change, whose mechanosensitivity is enhanced by the stress-concentration induced by the doped nanoparticle, is presented. The materials have a large color-changing gamut and high mechanochromic sensitivity, which exhibit great potential in the field of mechanical detectors, sensors, and anti-counterfeiting materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Sun
- University of Science and Technology BeijingNo. 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian DistrictBeijing100083China
| | - Shuoning Zhang
- Peking UniversityNo. 5 Yiheyuan Road Haidian DistrictBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - YunXiao Ren
- University of Science and Technology BeijingNo. 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian DistrictBeijing100083China
| | - Jianying Zhang
- University of Science and Technology BeijingNo. 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian DistrictBeijing100083China
| | - Jiyuan Shen
- University of Science and Technology BeijingNo. 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian DistrictBeijing100083China
| | - Shengyu Qin
- Peking UniversityNo. 5 Yiheyuan Road Haidian DistrictBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - Wei Hu
- University of Science and Technology BeijingNo. 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian DistrictBeijing100083China
| | - Siquan Zhu
- Department of OphthalmologyBeijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100029P. R. China
| | - Huai Yang
- Peking UniversityNo. 5 Yiheyuan Road Haidian DistrictBeijing100871P. R. China
| | - Dengke Yang
- Kent State University1425 Lefton EsplanadeKentOH44242USA
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Wang Y, Guan Q, Lei D, Esmaeely Neisiany R, Guo Y, Gu S, You Z. Meniscus-Climbing System Inspired 3D Printed Fully Soft Robotics with Highly Flexible Three-Dimensional Locomotion at the Liquid-Air Interface. ACS Nano 2022; 16:19393-19402. [PMID: 36367434 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Soft robotics locomotion at the liquid-air interface has become more and more important for an intelligent society. However, existing locomotion of soft robotics is limited to two dimensions. It remains a formidable challenge to realize three-dimensional locomotion (X, Y, and Z axes) at the liquid-air two-phase interface due to the unbalanced mechanical environment. Inspired by meniscus-climbing beetle larva Pyrrhalta, the mechanism of a three-phase (liquid-solid-air) contact line is here proposed to address the aforementioned challenge. A corresponding 3D printed fully soft robotics (named larvobot) based on photoresponsive liquid crystal elastomer/carbon nanotubes composites endowed repeatable programmable deformation and high degree-of-freedom locomotion. Three-dimensional locomotion at the liquid-air interface including twisting and rolling-up has been developed. The equation of motion is established by analyzing the mechanics along the solid-water surface of the larvobot. Meanwhile, ANSYS is used to calculate the stress distribution, which coincides with the speculation. Moreover, soft robotics is remotely driven by light in a precise spatiotemporal control, which provides a great advantage for applications. As an example, we demonstrate the controllable locomotion of the soft robotics inside closed tubes, which could be used for drug delivery and intelligent transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Qingbao Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Dong Lei
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200011, P. R. China
| | - Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany
- Department of Materials and Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar9617976487, Iran
| | - Yue Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Shijia Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
| | - Zhengwei You
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Functional Materials, Donghua University, Research Base of Textile Materials for Flexible Electronics and Biomedical Applications (China Textile Engineering Society), Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai201620, P. R. China
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35
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Ohzono T, Koyama E. Photo-Rewritable Glaring Patterns Composed of Stripe Domains in Nematic Elastomers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2200599. [PMID: 35904150 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic ordered micropatterns in polymeric materials provide an effective approach for the on-demand tuning of optical properties toward a smart optical material. In this study, we show that glaring patterns exhibiting strong anisotropic light diffusion can be developed at specific locations in nematic liquid-crystal elastomers with light-sensitive azobenzene units. Glaring originates from the stripe domains of the nematic directors that self-organize in light-irradiated regions after a simple uniaxial stretching and releasing process without any complicated lithographic technique. The nematic order transiently reduced by the photo-induced cis azobenzene isomers unlocks entropic elasticity, which induces local uniaxial shrinkage that causes buckling of the directors forming stripe domains. The written pattern on the film is tangibly visible with the backlight owing to the difference in anisotropic light diffusion. Furthermore, this pattern can be erased by light irradiation or thermal annealing. These films can be applied to optical elements for achieving augmented luminaries, security labeling, and sign-sheeting applications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Ohzono
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Emiko Koyama
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
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36
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Zhao Y, Chi Y, Hong Y, Li Y, Yang S, Yin J. Twisting for soft intelligent autonomous robot in unstructured environments. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200265119. [PMID: 35605115 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200265119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceAutonomy is crucial for soft robotics that are constructed of soft materials. It remains challenging to create autonomous soft robots that can intelligently interact with and adapt to changing environments without external controls. To do so, it often requires an analogical soft "brain" that integrates on-board sensing, control, computation, and decision-making. Here, we report an autonomous soft robot embodied with physical intelligence for decision-making via adaptive soft body-environment interactions and snap-through instability, without integrated sensing and external controls. This study harnesses physical intelligence as a new paradigm for designing autonomous soft robots that can interact intelligently with their environments, thus potentially reducing the burdens on the conventional integrated sensing, control, computations, and decision-making systems in designing intelligent soft robots.
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37
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Yu Z, Wang Y, Zheng J, Sun S, Fu Y, Chen D, Cai W, Wang D, Zhou H, Li D. Fast-Response Bioinspired Near-Infrared Light-Driven Soft Robot Based on Two-Stage Deformation. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:16649-16657. [PMID: 35360897 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a remotely controlled soft robot employing a photoresponsive nanocomposite synthesized from liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), high elastic form-stable phase change polymer (HEPCP), and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Possessing a two-stage deformation upon exposure to near-infrared (NIR) light, the LCE/HEPCP/MWCNT (LHM) nanocomposite allows the soft robot to exhibit an obvious, fast, and reversible shape change with low detection limitations. In addition to the deformation and bending of the LCE molecular chains itself, the HEPCP in the composite material can also be triggered by a reversible solid-liquid transition due to the temperature rise caused by MWCNTs, which further promotes the change of the LCE. In particular, the proposed photodriven LHM soft robot can bend up to 180° in 2 s upon NIR stimulation (320 mW, distance of 5 cm) and generate recoverable, dramatic, and sensitive deformation to execute various tasks including walking, twisting, and bending. With the capacity of imitating biological behaviors through remote control, the disruptive innovation developed here offers a promising path toward miniaturized untethered robotic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Yunming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Jiaqi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Yue Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Dan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Weihao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Huamin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Dequn Li
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
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38
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Liu Z, Guo G, Liao J, Yuan Y, Zhang H. Manipulated and Improved Photoinduced Deformation Property of Photoresponsive Liquid Crystal Elastomers by Copolymerization. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100717. [PMID: 35083802 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Polymeric Materials and Application Technology of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Materials of Colleges and Universities of Hunan Province, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, P. R. China
| | - Guangqiang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Polymeric Materials and Application Technology of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Materials of Colleges and Universities of Hunan Province, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, P. R. China
| | - Junqiu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Polymeric Materials and Application Technology of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Materials of Colleges and Universities of Hunan Province, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, P. R. China
| | - Yongjie Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Polymeric Materials and Application Technology of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Materials of Colleges and Universities of Hunan Province, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, P. R. China
| | - Hailiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymeric Materials and Application Technology of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Materials of Colleges and Universities of Hunan Province, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, P. R. China
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39
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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 Appl Mater 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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40
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Annapooranan R, Wang Y, Cai S. Highly Durable and Tough Liquid Crystal Elastomers. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:2006-2014. [PMID: 34978801 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are soft materials that exhibit interesting anisotropic and actuation properties. The emerging applications of thermally actuatable LCEs demand sufficient mechanical durability under various thermomechanical cycles. Although LCEs are tough at room temperature, they become very brittle at high temperature (above their actuation temperature), which can cause unexpected failure. We demonstrate a strategy to improve the high temperature fracture and fatigue properties of LCEs by designing interpenetrating polymer networks using a second polyurethane network. By selecting the appropriate composition of the polyurethane networks, the high temperature fracture and fatigue properties of LCEs were significantly enhanced, while retaining their actuation properties. The strategy from this work will help fabricate LCE-based actuators that are tough and durable at high temperatures and under cyclic loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Annapooranan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Yang Wang
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Shengqiang Cai
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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41
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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 Appl Mater 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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42
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Rogóż M, Haberko J, Wasylczyk P. Light-Driven Linear Inchworm Motor Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Fabricated with Rubbing Overwriting. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:6688. [PMID: 34772214 DOI: 10.3390/ma14216688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Linear displacement is used for positioning and scanning, e.g., in robotics at different scales or in scientific instrumentation. Most linear motors are either powered by rotary drives or are driven directly by pressure, electromagnetic forces or a shape change in a medium, such as piezoelectrics or shape-memory materials. Here, we present a centimeter-scale light-powered linear inchworm motor, driven by two liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) accordion-like actuators. The rubbing overwriting technique was used to fabricate the LCE actuators, made of elastomer film with patterned alignment. In the linear motor, a scanned green laser beam induces a sequence of travelling deformations in a pair of actuators that move a gripper, which couples to a shaft via friction moving it with an average speed in the order of millimeters per second. The prototype linear motor demonstrates how LCE light-driven actuators with a limited stroke can be used to drive more complex mechanisms, where large displacements can be achieved, defined only by the technical constrains (the shaft length in our case), and not by the limited strain of the material. Inchworm motors driven by LCE actuators may be scaled down to sub-millimeter size and can be used in applications where remote control and power supply with light, either delivered in free space beams or via fibers, is an advantage.
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43
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Han WC, Sim GW, Kim YB, Kim DS. Reversible Curvature Reversal of Monolithic Liquid Crystal Elastomer Film and Its Smart Valve Application. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100404. [PMID: 34418205 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Beyond a traditional stimuli-responsive soft actuator that shows a single motion by a stimulus, multidirectional actuation reversal with a single stimulus is highly required in applications such as shape morphing sensors and soft robotics. Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are one of the most attractive candidates for the soft actuator due to their capability of stimuli-responsive shape changing in 3D, which is programmable with local orientation of LC mesogens. Here, a simple but effective method to fabricate monolithic LCE actuators that are capable of reversible curvature reversal in bending and twisting deformation by a single stimulus-heat-is reported. The curvature reversal of the LCE film can be programmed by means of asymmetric crosslinking density along the thickness and the orientation of the LC mesogens. The curvature reversal of the monolithic LCE film exhibits highly reversible (more than 100 times) and fast actuation (≈3-5 s) by heating and cooling, allowing new concept of a practical application using LCE material: a self-regulated smart valve that is capable of qualitatively sorting liquids by temperature. It is believed that this system is potentially applied to a self-regulated sorting platform for various endothermic and exothermic chemical or biological reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woong Chan Han
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Gun Woo Sim
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Young Been Kim
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Dae Seok Kim
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48513, South Korea
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44
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Chen L, Bisoyi HK, Huang Y, Huang S, Wang M, Yang H, Li Q. Healable and Rearrangeable Networks of Liquid Crystal Elastomers Enabled by Diselenide Bonds. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:16394-16398. [PMID: 33977661 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202105278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Based on liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) materials, hierarchically structured soft actuators can meet some requirements for "human-friendly" working mode and execute complex tasks with intelligent adaptation to environmental changes. However, few researchers have paid much attention to the preparation methods of multicomponent/hierarchical LCE actuators. In this communication, we demonstrate the successful integration of an exchangeable diselenide chain extender for the preparation of dynamic LCEs, which could be reprogrammed on heating or under visible light illumination. Moreover, the rearrangeable polydiselenide networks could be applied to develop the self-welding technology toward fabricating hierarchically structured LCE actuators with sophisticated deformability without using any auxiliary reagent (adhesive, tape, catalysts or initiator) during the assembling process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Yinliang Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Quan Li
- Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.,Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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45
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Lu H, Zou Z, Wu X, Shi C, Liu Y, Xiao J. Biomimetic Prosthetic Hand Enabled by Liquid Crystal Elastomer Tendons. Micromachines (Basel) 2021; 12:736. [PMID: 34201506 PMCID: PMC8306406 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most important prosthetic implants for amputees, current commercially available prosthetic hands are still too bulky, heavy, expensive, complex and inefficient. Here, we present a study that utilizes the artificial tendon to drive the motion of fingers in a biomimetic prosthetic hand. The artificial tendon is realized by combining liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) and liquid metal (LM) heating element. A joule heating-induced temperature increase in the LCE tendon leads to linear contraction, which drives the fingers of the biomimetic prosthetic hand to bend in a way similar to the human hand. The responses of the LCE tendon to joule heating, including temperature increase, contraction strain and contraction stress, are characterized. The strategies of achieving a constant contraction stress in an LCE tendon and accelerating the cooling for faster actuation are also explored. This biomimetic prosthetic hand is demonstrated to be able to perform complex tasks including making different hand gestures, holding objects of different sizes and shapes, and carrying weights. The results can find applications in not only prosthetics, but also robots and soft machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Lu
- College of Mechanical Electrical and Vehicle Engineering, Weifang University, Weifang 261061, China;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zhanan Zou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xingli Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
| | - Chuanqian Shi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yimeng Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jianliang Xiao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; (Z.Z.); (X.W.); (C.S.); (Y.L.)
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46
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Soltani M, Raahemifar K, Nokhosteen A, Kashkooli FM, Zoudani EL. Numerical Methods in Studies of Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1650. [PMID: 34069440 PMCID: PMC8159147 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a type of material with specific features of polymers and of liquid crystals. They exhibit interesting behaviors, i.e., they are able to change their physical properties when met with external stimuli, including heat, light, electric, and magnetic fields. This behavior makes LCEs a suitable candidate for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, artificial muscles, optical devices, microscopy and imaging systems, biosensor devices, and optimization of solar energy collectors. Due to the wide range of applicability, numerical models are needed not only to further our understanding of the underlining mechanics governing LCE behavior, but also to enable the predictive modeling of their behavior under different circumstances for different applications. Given that several mainstream methods are used for LCE modeling, viz. finite element method, Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics, and the growing interest and reliance on computer modeling for predicting the opto-mechanical behavior of complex structures in real world applications, there is a need to gain a better understanding regarding their strengths and weaknesses so that the best method can be utilized for the specific application at hand. Therefore, this investigation aims to not only to present a multitude of examples on numerical studies conducted on LCEs, but also attempts at offering a concise categorization of different methods based on the desired application to act as a guide for current and future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madjid Soltani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 19991-43344, Iran; (F.M.K.); (E.L.Z.)
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CBB), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
- Advanced Bioengineering Initiative Center, Computational Medicine Center, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 19991-43344, Iran
| | - Kaamran Raahemifar
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
- College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Program, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania, PA 16801, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Arman Nokhosteen
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA;
| | - Farshad Moradi Kashkooli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 19991-43344, Iran; (F.M.K.); (E.L.Z.)
| | - Elham L. Zoudani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 19991-43344, Iran; (F.M.K.); (E.L.Z.)
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47
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Luo C, Chung C, Traugutt NA, Yakacki CM, Long KN, Yu K. 3D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foams for Enhanced Energy Dissipation Under Mechanical Insult. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:12698-12708. [PMID: 33369399 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c17538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Polymer foams are an essential class of lightweight materials used to protect assets against mechanical insults, such as shock and vibration. Two features are important to enhance their energy absorption characteristics: the foam structure and the matrix phase mechanical behavior. This study investigates novel approaches to control both of these features to enhance the energy absorption capability of flexible lattice foams. First, we consider 3D printing via digital light processing (DLP) as a method to control the foam mesostructure across a suite of periodic unit cells. Second, we introduce an additional energy dissipation mechanism in the solid matrix phase material by 3D printing the lattice foams with polydomain liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), which undergo a mechanically induced phase transition under large strains. This phase transition is associated with LC mesogen rotation and alignment and provides a second mechanism for mechanical energy dissipation in addition to the viscoelastic relaxation of the polymer network. We contrast the 3D printed LCE lattices with conventional, thermomechanically near-equivalent elastomer lattice foams to quantify the energy-absorbing enhancement the LCE matrix phase provides. Under cyclic quasi-static uniaxial compression conditions, the LCE lattices show dramatically enhanced energy dissipation in uniaxial compression compared to the non-LCE equivalent foams printed with a commercially available photocurable elastomer resin. The lattice geometry also plays a prominent role in determining the energy dissipation ratio between the LCE and non-LCE foams. We show that when increasing the lattice connectivity, the foam deformation transitions from bending-dominated to stretching-dominated deformations, which generates higher axial strains in the struts and higher energy dissipation in the lattice foam, as stretching allows greater mesogen rotation than bending. The LCE foams demonstrate superior energy absorption during the repeated dynamic loading during drop testing compared with the non-LCE equivalent foams, demonstrating the potential of LCEs to enhance physical protection systems against mechanical impact.
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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
| | - Nicholas A Traugutt
- 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 N 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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48
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Ambulo CP, Ford MJ, Searles K, Majidi C, Ware TH. 4D-Printable Liquid Metal- Liquid Crystal Elastomer Composites. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:12805-12813. [PMID: 33356119 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c19051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators that undergo programmable shape change in response to a stimulus are enabling components of future soft robots and other soft machines. Strategies to power these actuators often require the incorporation of rigid, electrically conductive materials into the soft actuator, thus limiting the compliance and shape change of the material. In this study, we develop a 4D-printable composite composed of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) matrix with dispersed droplets of eutectic gallium indium alloy (EGaIn). Using deformable EGaIn droplets in place of rigid conductive fillers preserves the compliance and shape-morphing properties of the LCE. The process enables 4D-printed LCE actuators capable of photothermal and electrothermal actuation. At low liquid metal (LM) concentrations (71 wt %), the composite actuator exhibits a photothermal response upon irradiation of near-IR light. Printed actuators with a twisted nematic configuration are capable of bending angles of 150° at 800 mW cm-2. At higher LM concentrations (88 wt %), the embedded LM droplets can form percolating networks that conduct electricity and enable electrical Joule heating of the LCE. Actuation strain ranging from 5 to 12% is controlled by the amount of electrical power that is delivered to the composite. We also introduce a method for multimaterial printing of monolithic structures where the LM filler loading is spatially varied. These multifunctional materials exhibit innate responsivity where the actuator behaves as an electrical switch and can report one of two states (on/off). These multiresponsive, 4D-printable composites enable multifunctional, mechanically active structures that can be powered with IR light or low DC voltages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric P Ambulo
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Michael J Ford
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Kyle Searles
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Taylor H Ware
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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Ma B, Xu C, Cui L, Zhao C, Liu H. Magnetic Printing of Liquid Metal for Perceptive Soft Actuators with Embodied Intelligence. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:5574-5582. [PMID: 33472372 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c20418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators with perception capability are essential for robots to intelligently interact with humans and the environment. However, existing perceptive soft actuators require complex integration and coupling between the discrete functional units to achieve autonomy. Here, we report entirely soft actuators with embodied sensing, actuation, and control at the single-unit level. This is achieved by synergistically harnessing the mechanosensing and electrothermal properties of liquid metal (LM) to actuate the thermally responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE). We create multifunctional LM circuits on the LCE surface using a simple and facile methodology based on magnetic printing. The fluidic LM circuit can not only be utilized as a conformable resistive heater but also as a sensory skin to perceive its own deformation. Moreover, the rational design of the LM circuits makes it possible to achieve biomimetic autonomous actuation in response to mechanical stimuli such as pressure or strain. In addition, the intrinsic stretchability of LM allows us to create 3D spring-like actuators via a simple prestretch step, and complex helical motions can be obtained upon mechanical stimulation. This work provides a unique and simple design for autonomous soft robotics with embodied intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Lishan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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Chen Y, Chen C, Rehman HU, Zheng X, Li H, Liu H, Hedenqvist MS. Shape-Memory Polymeric Artificial Muscles: Mechanisms, Applications and Challenges. Molecules 2020; 25:E4246. [PMID: 32947872 PMCID: PMC7570610 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Shape-memory materials are smart materials that can remember an original shape and return to their unique state from a deformed secondary shape in the presence of an appropriate stimulus. This property allows these materials to be used as shape-memory artificial muscles, which form a subclass of artificial muscles. The shape-memory artificial muscles are fabricated from shape-memory polymers (SMPs) by twist insertion, shape fixation via Tm or Tg, or by liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). The prepared SMP artificial muscles can be used in a wide range of applications, from biomimetic and soft robotics to actuators, because they can be operated without sophisticated linkage design and can achieve complex final shapes. Recently, significant achievements have been made in fabrication, modelling, and manipulation of SMP-based artificial muscles. This paper presents a review of the recent progress in shape-memory polymer-based artificial muscles. Here we focus on the mechanisms of SMPs, applications of SMPs as artificial muscles, and the challenges they face concerning actuation. While shape-memory behavior has been demonstrated in several stimulated environments, our focus is on thermal-, photo-, and electrical-actuated SMP artificial muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (Y.C.); (C.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Chi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (Y.C.); (C.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Hafeez Ur Rehman
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (Y.C.); (C.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (Y.C.); (C.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Hua Li
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Advanced Ship and Dee-Sea Exploration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Hezhou Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Advanced Ship and Dee-Sea Exploration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Mikael S. Hedenqvist
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
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