Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have been a receiving increased attention as a result of their shape memory properties which have far-reaching implications within materials science development that include actuatable and stimuli-responsive systems, among others. The implications of which could have reaching effects throughout the world of material science yet to be explored. In previous work, we have prepared acrylate-based LCE prepared via radical initiated mechanism which is air sensitive and requires complete penetration of the initiating energy source. This process limits scalability and reproducibility in large commercial manufacturing practices. As an alternative, we investigated a new LC elastomer via a commercial epoxide-based precursor that demonstrates insensitivity to oxygen upon curing and was shown to crosslink throughout the bulk material. A series of mechanically aligned cells of the epoxy-based polymer were produced using these materials and their optical and mechanical properties will be discussed.

Epoxy based liquid crystal elastomers for shape memory materials

255th National Meeting (2018)

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