Abstract
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 great
potential as foldable, compact actuators.
potential as foldable, compact actuators.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 075101 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Physics |
Volume | 129 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21 Feb 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to thank Professor Dirk Broer for valuable discussions. This work was financially supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (No. TOP-PUNT 718.016.003).