Triple-Shape-Memory Soft Actuators from an Interpenetrating Network of Hybrid Liquid Crystals
Davey C. Hoekstra, Michael G. Debije, Albertus P. H. J. Schenning
Abstract
In this work, the formation of triple-shape-memory liquid crystalline-interpenetrating polymer network (LC-IPN) actuators based on a hybrid acrylate-oxetane LC mixture is reported. Orthogonal polymerization of the oxetane and acrylate liquid crystals creates polymer films with two distinct glass-transition temperatures. The use of these two transitions for one-way triple-shape-memory actuation and two-way bending actuation with a broad temperature window for actuation is demonstrated. Our results combine shape memory polymers with liquid crystal-based soft actuators having advanced stimuli-responsive properties.
Topics & Concepts
Materials scienceAcrylateActuatorOxetaneShape-memory alloyPolymerLiquid crystalShape-memory polymerPolymerizationPolymer chemistryComposite materialGlass transitionCopolymerOptoelectronicsComputer scienceArtificial intelligenceAdvanced Materials and MechanicsLiquid Crystal Research AdvancementsPolymer composites and self-healing