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Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...

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Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction

Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction

Published on: January 19, 2016

Discontinuous Metric Programming in Liquid Crystalline Elastomers.

Tayler S Hebner¹, Riley G A Bowman¹, Daniel Duffy²

¹Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

|February 15, 2023

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a new method to control shape-morphing in liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) by patterning crosslink density. This approach enables precise control over material deformation for advanced applications.

Keywords:

Gaussian curvature actuation liquid crystalline elastomers metrics shape programming

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Last Updated: Aug 9, 2025

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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

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
Soft Robotics

Background:

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are stimuli-responsive polymers capable of large deformations.
Existing shape programming methods for LCEs rely on complex patterning of nematic fields.
These methods produce sheets that deform into intricate geometries with specific Gaussian curvatures.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce a novel approach for shape-morphing in LCEs.
To demonstrate local control over deformation magnitude by spatial patterning of crosslink density.
To develop a mathematical model for predicting LCE behavior and enabling curvature control.

Main Methods:

Spatial patterning of crosslink density within LCEs.
Development of a simple mathematical model to describe LCE deformation.
Experimental validation of the model and curvature control.
Integration with heat transfer effects for functional design.

Main Results:

Achieved local regulation of material deformation magnitude by controlling crosslink density.
Demonstrated precise control over the sign of Gaussian curvature.
Successfully designed LCEs with self-cleaning properties using temperature-dependent actuation.

Conclusions:

The presented crosslink density patterning offers an alternative to nematic field inscription for LCE shape programming.
The mathematical model provides a predictive tool for designing complex LCE deformations.
This work opens avenues for advanced LCE applications, including self-cleaning surfaces.