Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
Nat Commun. 2018 Jan 31;9(1):456. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-02895-9.
Stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomers with molecular orientation coupled to rubber-like elasticity show a great potential as elements in soft robotics, sensing, and transport systems. The orientational order defines their mechanical response to external stimuli, such as thermally activated muscle-like contraction. Here we demonstrate a dynamic thermal control of the surface topography of an elastomer prepared as a coating with a pattern of in-plane molecular orientation. The inscribed pattern determines whether the coating develops elevations, depressions, or in-plane deformations when the temperature changes. The deterministic dependence of the out-of-plane dynamic profile on the in-plane orientation is explained by activation forces. These forces are caused by stretching-contraction of the polymer networks and by spatially varying molecular orientation. The activation force concept brings the responsive liquid crystal elastomers into the domain of active matter. The demonstrated relationship can be used to design coatings with functionalities that mimic biological tissues such as skin.
具有分子取向耦合橡胶状弹性的刺激响应液晶弹性体在软机器人、传感和输送系统中具有很大的应用潜力。取向序定义了它们对外界刺激的机械响应，例如热激活的类似肌肉的收缩。在这里，我们演示了通过动态热控制具有面内分子取向图案的涂层的表面形貌。当温度变化时，所记录的图案确定涂层是形成凸起、凹陷还是面内变形。平面取向的出平面动态轮廓的确定性依赖性由激活力来解释。这些力是由聚合物网络的伸缩引起的，并且由空间变化的分子取向引起的。激活力概念将响应性液晶弹性体引入到活性物质领域。所展示的关系可用于设计具有模仿皮肤等生物组织功能的涂层。
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