Directed self-assembly of crosslinked liquid crystal polymer networks or elastomers (LCEs) can impart directional strain in materials to produce cooperative deformation that results in out-of-plane shape transformation with large relative force outputs.[1] Surface-templated orientation of LCEs is inherently limited in achievable thickness, but theoretical predictions for these systems show that deformed, thick LCEs retain the vertical stroke measured for single-layer LCE actuators while generating more force.[2] This effect is attributable to the deformation (actuation) of the LCE materials being associated with stretch rather than bend. Here, we extend upon our previous approach[3] in order to prepare laminated LCE materials with minimized interlayer disorder and higher processing throughput. With this updated strategy, we prepare multi-laminated LCE structures made from thin films (10µm or 30µm) with amenability to hereto unlimited layer counts (30+ layers demonstrated) that total more than 1 mm in overall device thickness with weight-lifting capacity well in excess of 500g. 

Liquid crystal elastomer multi-laminates for efficient, high load outputs

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.