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Microfluidic Preparation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators
Published on: May 20, 2018
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Visible-Light-Driven and Adaptable Liquid-Crystalline Elastomer Actuators Containing Dynamically Exchangeable Boron
1Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, Polymeric Nano Materials Laboratory, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 11, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel liquid-crystalline elastomer (LCE) with dynamic disulfide and boron ester bonds. This material exhibits light-induced actuation and self-healing properties, enabling reprogramming and reprocessing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Soft Robotics
Background:
- Liquid-crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are advanced materials known for their anisotropic properties and stimulus-responsive behavior.
- Dynamic covalent bonds offer pathways to create self-healing and reprocessable materials.
- Integrating multiple dynamic chemistries within LCEs can lead to enhanced functionalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a novel liquid-crystalline elastomer (LCE) incorporating both disulfide (-S-S-) and boron ester (BE) dynamic bonds.
- To investigate the photothermal actuation capabilities of the developed LCE.
- To explore the material's potential for reprogramming, reprocessing, and self-healing via distinct dynamic exchange reactions (DERs).
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a reactive oligomer via thiol-acrylate Michael addition.
- Incorporation of boron ester linkages through visible-light-induced cross-linking with a specific dioxaborolane compound.
- Characterization of monodomain LCE (MLCESS-BE) properties, including photothermal actuation and dynamic bond behavior.
- Evaluation of water-assisted healing and UV-light-induced dynamic exchange reactions.
Main Results:
- Successful preparation of a liquid-crystalline elastomer (LCESS-BE) with both disulfide and boron ester linkages.
- Demonstrated photothermal actuation of monodomain LCESS-BE under blue-light irradiation, achieving a temperature rise of ~147 °C and a 42% length decrease.
- Exhibited reversible reprogrammability through distinct DERs: water-assisted healing via boron ester bonds and UV-light-induced exchange of disulfide bonds below the nematic-to-isotropic transition temperature.
Conclusions:
- The developed LCESS-BE material exhibits significant light-induced actuation and multifunctionality.
- The dual dynamic bond system allows for independent control over healing, reprogramming, and reprocessing.
- This approach offers a promising route for creating advanced LCEs with tailored properties for diverse applications.
