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Multimaterial Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Integrated Stretchable Electronics.
Michael R Vinciguerra1, Dinesh K Patel2, Wuzhou Zu1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 10, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel 3D printing method to create electrically responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuators. This technique integrates stretchable conductive inks with LCEs, enabling complex, shape-programmable devices with integrated circuits for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Soft Robotics
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are stimuli-responsive materials used in soft actuators and reconfigurable structures.
- Integrating LCEs with conductive materials is crucial for electrical responsiveness but challenging due to differing material properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D printing methodology for creating integrated, electrically responsive LCE devices.
- To combine direct ink write (DIW) 3D printing of LCEs with soft, stretchable conductive inks.
Main Methods:
- A multimaterial DIW 3D printing approach was employed.
- A conductive ink comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn), and silver flakes was formulated.
- LCE printing parameters were optimized for a smooth surface (<10 μm) to enable precise conductive ink patterning.
Main Results:
- The conductive ink achieved high stretchability and conductivity (10^5 S m^-1).
- Successfully fabricated shape-reconfigurable LCE devices with on-demand circuit patterning.
- Demonstrated functional devices like a Morse code blinking actuator and a photoresistor-controlled crawler.
Conclusions:
- This digital fabrication method enables stable power delivery and Joule heating in dynamic LCE systems.
- The approach facilitates the creation of complex LCE actuators with integrated sensing and circuitry.
- This methodology advances LCE actuators towards functional devices like shape-programmable antennas.
