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Desynchronized liquid crystalline network actuators with deformation reversal capability

Author

Listed:
  • Yao-Yu Xiao

    (Université de Sherbrooke)

  • Zhi-Chao Jiang

    (Université de Sherbrooke)

  • Jun-Bo Hou

    (Université de Sherbrooke)

  • Yue Zhao

    (Université de Sherbrooke)

Abstract

Liquid crystalline network (LCN) actuator normally deforms upon thermally or optically induced order-disorder phase transition, switching once between two shapes (shape 1 in LC phase and shape 2 in isotropic state) for each stimulation on/off cycle. Herein, we report an LCN actuator that deforms from shape 1 to shape 2 and then reverses the deformation direction to form shape 3 on heating or under light only, thus completing the shape switch twice for one stimulation on/off cycle. The deformation reversal capability is obtained with a monolithic LCN actuator whose two sides are made to start deforming at different temperatures and exerting different reversible strains, by means of asymmetrical crosslinking and/or asymmetrical stretching. This desynchronized actuation strategy offers possibilities in developing light-fueled LCN soft robots. In particular, the multi-stage bidirectional shape change enables multimodal, light-driven locomotion from the same LCN actuator by simply varying the light on/off times.

Suggested Citation

  • Yao-Yu Xiao & Zhi-Chao Jiang & Jun-Bo Hou & Yue Zhao, 2021. "Desynchronized liquid crystalline network actuators with deformation reversal capability," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-20938-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-20938-6
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    Cited by:

    1. Minghao Wang & Chen Nie & Junbang Liu & Si Wu, 2023. "Organic‒inorganic semi-interpenetrating networks with orthogonal light- and magnetic-responsiveness for smart photonic gels," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Wenfei Ai & Kai Hou & Jiaxin Wu & Yue Long & Kai Song, 2024. "Miniaturized and untethered McKibben muscles based on photothermal-induced gas-liquid transformation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8, December.

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