Pigmented Structural Color Actuators Fueled by Near-Infrared Light

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Soft Robotics
• Biomimicry

Background:

• Cuttlefish exhibit remarkable camouflage abilities by altering body shape and color.
• Existing appearance-changing polymers (actuators) are typically flat and lack pigmented color.
• There is a need for advanced actuators that combine shape-shifting with tunable, pigmented structural color.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel pigmented structural color actuator with tunable properties.
• To investigate the use of cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers for combined actuation and coloration.
• To demonstrate the potential of this technology in soft robotics applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a cholesteric liquid crystal elastomer.
• Incorporated a near-infrared (NIR)-absorbing dye pigment.
• Investigated temperature and NIR light as stimuli for actuation and color change.
• Fabricated flat films and 3D-shaped objects.
• Developed a cuttlefish mimic robot.

Main Results:

• Successfully created a pigmented structural color actuator with tunable actuation and coloration.
• Demonstrated that shape, structural color, and pigment absorption are all temperature-dependent.
• Showcased light-triggered local actuation in both flat and 3D-shaped actuators.
• Developed a functional cuttlefish mimic capable of light-sensing and appearance change.

Conclusions:

• The developed actuator offers tunable, multi-modal appearance changes (shape, structural color, pigment color).
• This technology holds significant promise for applications in soft robotics, camouflage, and signaling.
• The biomimetic approach provides a new pathway for creating advanced adaptive materials.