Open AccessLiquid crystal elastomer actuators: Synthesis, alignment, and applications
Author(s) -
Kularatne Ruvini S.,
Kim Hyun,
Boothby Jennifer M.,
Ware Taylor H.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of polymer science part b: polymer physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.65
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1099-0488
pISSN - 0887-6266
DOI - 10.1002/polb.24287
Subject(s) - elastomer , rubber elasticity , actuator , materials science , liquid crystal , elasticity (physics) , anisotropy , artificial muscle , swelling , natural rubber , composite material , nanotechnology , polymer science , computer science , physics , optics , optoelectronics , artificial intelligence
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a unique class of materials which combine rubber elasticity with the orientational order of liquid crystals. This combination can lead to materials with unique properties such as thermal actuation, anisotropic swelling, and soft elasticity. As such, LCEs are a promising class of materials for applications requiring stimulus response. These unique features and the recent developments of the LCE chemistry and processing will be discussed in this review. First, we emphasize several different synthetic pathways in conjunction with the alignment techniques utilized to obtain monodomain LCEs. We then identify the synthesis and alignment techniques used to synthesis LCE‐based composites. Finally, we discuss how these materials are used as actuators and sensors. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017 , 55 , 395–411