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Self-sustained actuation from heat dissipation in liquid crystal polymer networks
Ghislaine Vantomme1,2, Anne Helene Gelebart1,3, Dirk Jan Broer1,3
1Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Technical University of Eindhoven, 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands.
Journal of Polymer Science. Part A, Polymer Chemistry
|June 26, 2018
Summary
Liquid crystal polymer networks (LCNs) coated with heat absorbers oscillate when exposed to light. This photo-thermal effect generates mechanical oscillators for soft robotics and automated systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Soft Robotics
Background:
- Liquid crystal polymer networks (LCNs) are advanced materials capable of shape adaptation in response to external stimuli.
- Macroscopic motion in materials is a key area of research for developing novel actuators.
- Non-photo-responsive LCN films integrated with heat absorbers offer a unique platform for light-driven actuation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the continuous oscillation of LCN films induced by light exposure.
- To analyze the governing factors of light-induced motion, including heat dissipation and anisotropic thermal deformation.
- To explore the influence of molecular alignment, film thickness, and matrix properties on macroscopic motion.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of non-photo-responsive LCN thin films.
- Coating LCN films with heat absorbers (graphene, ink).
- Exposure to light to induce oscillation and analysis of motion parameters.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated continuous oscillation of LCN films upon light exposure.
- Identified heat dissipation and anisotropic thermal deformation as key drivers of motion.
- Analyzed the impact of LC alignment, film thickness, and matrix composition on oscillation behavior.
Conclusions:
- Provided guidelines for designing actuators based on photo-thermal and photo-effects.
- Established a simple method for generating mechanical oscillators using LCNs.
- Highlighted the potential of LCN-based actuators for soft robotics and automated systems.
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