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The polymerization process that involves carbanion as an intermediate is called anionic polymerization. It is also a type of addition or chain-growth polymerization. Anionic polymerization gets initiated by a strong nucleophile such as an organolithium or a Grignard reagent. The most commonly used initiator for anionic polymerization is butyl lithium. Monomers involved in anionic polymerization must possess a vinyl group bonded to one or two electron-withdrawing groups. For instance,...
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Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Preparation of Monodomain Liquid Crystal Elastomers and Liquid Crystal Elastomer Nanocomposites
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Electroplasticization of Liquid Crystal Polymer Networks.

Hanne M van der Kooij1,2, Dirk J Broer3,4, Danqing Liu3,4

  • 1Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 9, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Shape-shifting liquid crystal networks (LCNs) undergo an electrical glass transition when exposed to alternating current. This electroplasticization enables significant shape changes and efficient energy conversion for advanced materials.

Keywords:
active materialselectrical actuationglass transitionlaser speckle imagingliquid crystal polymer networksnanoscale dynamicsnonlinear mechanicssurface morphing

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Materials Science
  • Soft Matter Physics

Background:

  • Liquid crystal networks (LCNs) are active polymer materials capable of shape transformation in response to stimuli.
  • Electrically driven LCN coatings offer potential in electronic devices, haptic displays, and soft robotics.
  • The mechanism of electric field-induced plasticization in stiff LCNs remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the phenomenon of electric-field-induced devitrification in LCNs.
  • To investigate the relationship between alternating current frequency and nanomechanical changes.
  • To demonstrate and understand electroplasticization in LCNs.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a nanoscale strain detection method to probe LCN behavior.
  • Applied alternating electric fields across a range of frequencies.
  • Analyzed nanomechanical responses to identify critical transition points.

Main Results:

  • Identified a critical frequency for high-frequency alternating fields inducing significant nanomechanical changes.
  • Observed collective molecular motion of liquid crystals leading to network yielding and expansion.
  • Unambiguously demonstrated electroplasticization, a phenomenon where electric fields induce plasticity.

Conclusions:

  • Electric fields can induce a glass transition (devitrification) in LCNs at a critical frequency.
  • This electroplasticization results from collective liquid crystal motion, causing network weakening and shape change.
  • Controlling electroplasticity enhances surface functionality and electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion efficiency.