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Airbrush Formation of Liquid Crystal/Polymer Fibers
Author(s) -
Wang Junren,
Jákli Antal,
West John L.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/cphc.201500096
Subject(s) - liquid crystal , polymer , materials science , core (optical fiber) , phase (matter) , crystal (programming language) , fiber , nanotechnology , surface energy , flexibility (engineering) , chemical engineering , homogeneous , chemical physics , composite material , optoelectronics , chemistry , organic chemistry , thermodynamics , computer science , engineering , programming language , statistics , mathematics , physics
A homogeneous solution of a low‐molecular‐weight liquid crystal and a polymer spontaneously phase separates during airbrushing to form uniform fibers with a fluid liquid‐crystal core surrounded by a solid polymer sheath. This structure forms because it effectively minimizes the interfacial energy of the phase‐separated components while minimizing the elastic energy of the liquid‐crystal core. These fibers incorporate the sensitive stimuli response of liquid crystals while maintaining the structural integrity, flexibility, and large surface‐area‐to‐volume ratios inherent in fibers. We demonstrate the electro‐ and thermo‐optical response of the resulting fibers. They may find use as biological and chemical sensors. The resulting fibers have the potential to shape the future of flexible/wearable electronics and sensors.