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Four-dimensional Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers
Cedric P Ambulo1, Julia J Burroughs1, Jennifer M Boothby1
1Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas 75080, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|October 3, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed 4D-printed structures using liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) that change shape with heat. This innovation paves the way for advanced soft robotics and medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Robotics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Four-dimensional (4D) printing enables structures with dynamic shape-changing capabilities.
- Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are stimuli-responsive materials suitable for 4D printing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop 4D-printed structures with controlled shape transformations using direct-write printing of LCEs.
- To investigate the relationship between molecular order, print path, and thermal response in LCE structures.
Main Methods:
- Direct-write printing of thermally responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) into 3D structures.
- Programming local molecular order by controlling the print path during fabrication.
- Characterizing the reversible shape changes (40% contraction) upon heating.
Main Results:
- Achieved controlled molecular ordering within printed LCE filaments.
- Demonstrated reversible 40% contraction along the print direction upon thermal stimulus.
- Realized magnified shape transformations, including volumetric contractions and snap-through transitions, by controlling geometry and molecular order.
Conclusions:
- Direct-write printing of LCEs allows for programmable, localized molecular order, enabling precise control over 4D shape transformations.
- The developed 4D printing approach offers a pathway for creating advanced soft robotics, implantable medical devices, and novel consumer products.
