Shape can be a functional property of devices. Shape is derived topology and is designed evident in the planar fold lines of a cardboard box or the mechanical anisotropy of certain natural structures. Building upon recently developed chemistries conducive to photoalignment we report on the demonstration of adaptive shape and surface control within topologically blueprinted liquid crystal elastomers. The display Figure illustrates the dramatic change in shape upon heating a liquid crystal elastomer film in which nine +1 topological defects are subsumed in a 3 x 3 array.

Responsive surfaces prepared by programming liquid crystalline elastomers

251st National Meeting (2016)

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