title: Airbrush Formation of Liquid Crystal/Polymer Fibers.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242 (USA).
authors.forename: Junren
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242 (USA).
authors.forename: Antal
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jákli
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242 (USA). jlwest@kent.edu.|Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242 (USA). jlwest@kent.edu.
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: West
keywords: airbrushing; liquid crystals; phase separation; polymer dispersions; responsive fibers