Programmable and adaptive mechanics with liquid crystal polymer networks and elastomers.
Liquid crystals are the basis of a pervasive technology of the modern era. Yet, as the display market becomes commoditized, researchers in industry, government and academia are increasingly examining liquid crystalline materials in a variety of polymeric forms and discovering their fascinating and useful properties. In this Review, we detail the historical development of liquid crystalline polymeric materials, with emphasis on the thermally and photogenerated macroscale mechanical responses--such as bending, twisting and buckling--and on local-feature development (primarily related to topographical control). Within this framework, we elucidate the benefits of liquid crystallinity and contrast them with other stimuli-induced mechanical responses reported for other materials. We end with an outlook of existing challenges and near-term application opportunities.
Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, USA.
Timothy J
TJ
White
Eindhoven University of Technology, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Helix Building STO 0.34, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Dirk J
DJ
Broer