Issue 39, 2013

Torsional mechanical responses in azobenzene functionalized liquid crystalline polymer networks

Abstract

Soft materials capable of both planar and flexural–torsional responses could enable the development of soft robotic elements that emulate the dexterity and functionality of a multitude of creatures in the animal kingdom. Here, we examine the response of azobenzene-functionalized liquid crystal polymer networks (azo-LCNs) specifically focusing on realizing large magnitude flexural–torsional responses observed as out-of-plane twisting or coiling. Towards this end, azo-LCNs were prepared in either the twisted nematic (TN) or hybrid orientations. The characterization of the flexural–torsional photomechanical responses is complimented with examination of thermomechanical properties. The diverse range of tailorable photomechanical responses is shown to be strongly dependent on the alignment of the nematic director to the film geometry and the actinic light intensity.

Graphical abstract: Torsional mechanical responses in azobenzene functionalized liquid crystalline polymer networks

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
05 Jun 2013
Accepted
26 Jul 2013
First published
31 Jul 2013

Soft Matter, 2013,9, 9303-9310

Torsional mechanical responses in azobenzene functionalized liquid crystalline polymer networks

J. J. Wie, K. M. Lee, M. L. Smith, R. A. Vaia and T. J. White, Soft Matter, 2013, 9, 9303 DOI: 10.1039/C3SM51574E

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