A self-sustained soft actuator able to rock and roll.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Soft Matter Physics
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Liquid crystal networks (LCNs) are stimuli-responsive materials capable of complex deformations.
• Understanding the dynamics of LCNs under thermal gradients is crucial for developing advanced actuators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic motion of a triangular liquid crystal network under constant temperature.
• To explore the effect of incorporating azobenzene chromophores on the actuation behavior of LCNs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a triangular liquid crystal network.
• Observation of the network's motion upon exposure to a constant temperature surface.
• Introduction of azobenzene chromophores into the LCN structure.
• Analysis of the resulting dual rocking and rolling motion.

Main Results:

• The triangular LCN demonstrated continuous, rocking chair-like oscillatory chaotic motion when subjected to a constant temperature.
• The incorporation of azobenzene chromophores resulted in a dual response, enabling both rocking and rolling motions.
• This dual actuation expands the range of motion achievable by the LCN film.

Conclusions:

• Liquid crystal networks can exhibit complex chaotic dynamics driven by thermal stimuli.
• Azobenzene chromophores can be integrated into LCNs to achieve multi-modal actuation, enhancing their functional capabilities.
• These findings open possibilities for novel soft robotics and adaptive material designs.