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Published on: September 11, 2018
Thermally responsive multiscale surface patterns
Arian Hosseini1, Neda Maghsoodi1
1Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA. maghsoodi@usc.edu.
Soft Matter
|August 11, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel, single-step method for creating switchable, programmable, multiscale surface patterns using liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). These reversible LCE surfaces enable controllable fluid transport, advancing smart surface technology.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Soft Matter Physics
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Developing multiscale surface patterns often requires complex, multi-step fabrication processes.
- Existing techniques for structured surfaces lack programmability and reversibility.
- Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) offer unique stimulus-responsive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a simplified, mechanically-driven technique for fabricating switchable, programmable, and multiscale surface patterns.
- To demonstrate the reversibility and pre-programmability of these LCE-based surface patterns.
- To explore the application of these patterned surfaces in controlling fluid behavior.
Main Methods:
- Integration of UV-induced cross-linking with buckling instability in LCE films.
- Single-step fabrication of multilevel surface patterns.
- Thermal cycling across the nematic-isotropic transition for reversibility.
- Controlled variations in material and geometrical properties for pre-programming.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of reversible, multiscale surface patterns in a single step.
- Demonstration of pre-programmable surface features through material and geometric control.
- Observation of pronounced anisotropic droplet sliding behavior on patterned surfaces.
- Confirmation of LCEs as a versatile platform for adaptive interfaces.
Conclusions:
- LCEs provide a powerful and versatile platform for reversible, multiscale surface patterning.
- The presented technique simplifies fabrication, eliminating complex multi-step processes.
- These adaptive surfaces show significant potential for directional and controllable fluid transport applications.
