Development of Direct-Laser-Printable Light-Powered Nanocomposites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Four-dimensional (4D) printable light-powered materials are crucial for advanced functional devices.
• Current designs often rely on ultraviolet (UV) light and azobenzene moieties.
• A need exists for materials with enhanced mechanical properties and alternative light responsiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel direct laser printable photoresist for light-powered 4D structures.
• To develop nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties and near-infrared (NIR) responsiveness.
• To investigate the effect of gold nanorods (AuNRs) on the material's performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of nanocomposites using femtosecond two-photon direct laser writing.
• Incorporation of thiol-functionalized gold nanorods (AuNRs) into a liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) matrix.
• Evaluation of NIR-induced mechanical deformation and actuation cycles.

Main Results:

• The nanocomposite with 3 wt % AuNR loading achieved 20% elongation under 2 W NIR laser power.
• Increased laser power resulted in faster deformation but slower restoration.
• The materials exhibited good stability, retaining 80% elongation after 300 cycles.
• An 80% improvement in complex modulus was observed due to AuNR inclusion.

Conclusions:

• The developed AuNR-LCE nanocomposite is a promising material for light-powered 4D printing.
• NIR-responsive actuation with enhanced mechanical properties is achievable.
• The material demonstrates potential for robust and stable functional devices.