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Preparation of Monodomain Liquid Crystal Elastomers and Liquid Crystal Elastomer Nanocomposites

Preparation of Monodomain Liquid Crystal Elastomers and Liquid Crystal Elastomer Nanocomposites

Published on: February 6, 2016

A multifunctional shape-morphing elastomer with liquid metal inclusions.

Michael J Ford¹, Cedric P Ambulo², Teresa A Kent¹

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|October 9, 2019

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a new soft composite material inspired by natural tissues. This material offers sensing, electronic connectivity, and shape-changing abilities for applications in robotics and electronics.

Keywords:

conductive elastomer liquid crystal elastomer liquid metal shape memory soft actuator

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Soft Robotics
Biomimicry

Background:

Natural soft tissues exhibit complex hierarchical structures enabling diverse functionalities.
Existing synthetic materials often lack the integrated multifunctionality of biological tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

To create a novel soft composite material mimicking natural tissue's hierarchical structure and multifunctionality.
To integrate sensing, electronic connectivity, and shape-morphing capabilities into a single material.

Main Methods:

Fabrication of a composite using a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) matrix and dispersed liquid metal (LM) microparticles.
Utilizing LCE's phase transition for macroscopic shape change.
Tailoring thermal and electrical conductivity via LM microparticles without compromising mechanical or morphing properties.

Main Results:

The composite demonstrates a unique combination of sensing, robust electronic connectivity, and active shape morphing.
Liquid metal microparticles effectively tuned conductivity without negatively impacting mechanical or shape-morphing characteristics.
Successful demonstrations in sensing, actuation, circuitry, and soft robot locomotion.

Conclusions:

The developed soft composite offers versatile, tissue-like multifunctionality.
This material holds significant potential for advanced applications in soft robotics, wearable electronics, and biomedical devices.