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Accordion‐like Actuators of Multiple 3D Patterned Liquid Crystal Polymer Films
Author(s) -
de Haan Laurens T.,
GimenezPinto Vianney,
Konya Andrew,
Nguyen ThanhSon,
Verjans Julien M. N.,
SánchezSomolinos Carlos,
Selinger Jonathan V.,
Selinger Robin L. B.,
Broer Dirk J.,
Schenning Albertus P. H. J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201302568
Subject(s) - materials science , microstructure , fabrication , actuator , polymer , composite material , liquid crystal , finite element method , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , structural engineering , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , electrical engineering , engineering
This work describes the fabrication, characterization, and modelling of liquid crystalline polymer network films with a multiple patterned 3D nematic director profile, a stimuli‐responsive material that exhibits complex mechanical actuation under change of temperature or pH. These films have a discrete alternating striped or checkerboard director profile in the plane, and a 90‐degree twist through the depth of the film. When actuated via heating, the striped films deform into accordion‐like folds, while the film patterned with a checkerboard microstructure buckles out‐of‐plane. Furthermore, striped films are fabricated so that they also deform into an accordion shaped fold, by a change of pH in an aqueous environment. Three‐dimensional finite element simulations and elasticity analysis provide insight into the dependence of shape evolution on director microstructure and the sample's aspect ratio.