TY - JOUR
T1 - A foldable compact actuator based on an oxetane liquid crystal network
AU - Hoekstra, Davey C.
AU - Visser, Patricia P.M.
AU - Houben, Simon J.A.
AU - Lub, Johan
AU - Debije, Michael G.
AU - Schenning, Albert P.H.J.
PY - 2021/2/21
Y1 - 2021/2/21
N2 - The fabrication of a foldable, compact liquid crystal actuator based on oxetane reactive monomers is reported. The free-standing liquid crystal network films are optically clear, flexible, and have easily tunable anisotropic thermal and mechanical properties. The oxetane liquid crystal networks demonstrate excellent one-way shape memory properties, with good temporary shape fixation and complete shape recovery. In addition, the flexible polyether backbone of the oxetane liquid crystal networks results in large two-way bending actuation, with the actuators showing rotation inversion and making multiple rotations. Both actuation mechanisms could be combined to form actuators that can be temporarily folded before fully recovering to their original shape prior to use. As a result, the oxetane liquid crystal networks have greatpotential as foldable, compact actuators.
AB - The fabrication of a foldable, compact liquid crystal actuator based on oxetane reactive monomers is reported. The free-standing liquid crystal network films are optically clear, flexible, and have easily tunable anisotropic thermal and mechanical properties. The oxetane liquid crystal networks demonstrate excellent one-way shape memory properties, with good temporary shape fixation and complete shape recovery. In addition, the flexible polyether backbone of the oxetane liquid crystal networks results in large two-way bending actuation, with the actuators showing rotation inversion and making multiple rotations. Both actuation mechanisms could be combined to form actuators that can be temporarily folded before fully recovering to their original shape prior to use. As a result, the oxetane liquid crystal networks have greatpotential as foldable, compact actuators.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85100937766&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1063/5.0039965
DO - 10.1063/5.0039965
M3 - Article
VL - 129
JO - Journal of Applied Physics
JF - Journal of Applied Physics
SN - 0021-8979
IS - 7
M1 - 075101
ER -