Liquid crystal elastomer coatings with programmed response of surface profile

Greta Babakhanova, Taras Turiv, Yubing Guo, Matthew Hendrikx, Qi Huo Wei, Albert P.H.J. Schenning, Dirk J. Broer, Oleg D. Lavrentovich*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

121 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number456
JournalNature Communications
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2018
Externally publishedYes

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