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Nanoid Canyons On-Demand: Electrically Switchable Surface Topography in Liquid Crystal Networks
Eser Metin Akinoglu1,2, Laurens Theobald de Haan, Songru Li
1International Academy of Optoelectronics at Zhaoqing , South China Normal University , Zhaoqing , 526238 Guangdong , P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|October 4, 2018
Summary
Researchers created switchable surface topographies using liquid crystal elastomers. This allows for tunable surface properties like adhesion and wettability, controlled by electric fields.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Surface topography critically influences material properties such as adhesion and wettability.
- Developing materials with dynamically controllable surface topographies is essential for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel method for generating electrically switchable surface topographies.
- To investigate the mechanism behind significant topographical modulations in liquid crystal elastomer films.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a thin nematic liquid crystal elastomer film sandwiched between two electrodes.
- Application of voltage to induce displacement of a random metal network.
- Measurement of topographical changes using profilometry.
Main Results:
- Achieved voltage-controlled topographical modulations ranging from 0 to 2.5 μm.
- Observed topographical variations significantly exceeding expected electrostatic deformation.
- Attributed the enhanced deformation to the rotation of liquid crystal side groups within the electric field.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated a principle for creating electrically switchable surface topographies on liquid crystal elastomer films.
- The observed large-scale topographical changes are driven by the unique electro-mechanical response of the liquid crystal elastomer.
- This technology offers a pathway to materials with tunable surface properties for diverse applications.
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