Study on the deformation capacity of multi-material 4D-printed LCE actuators

Abstract

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have attracted much attention because of their large, reversible, and anisotropic deformation, fast response to various external stimuli and excellent mechanical properties. LCE ink was prepared by a catalyst-free aza-Michael addition chemistry. A multi-material four-dimensional (4D)-printed laminated LCE actuator including Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), conductive circuits and LCEs was fabricated by direct ink writing (DIW) technology. The influence of the input current and resistance values on the thermal effect of conductive circuits was studied. The functional relationship between the LCE actuator’s bending angle and printing parameters was obtained. The LCE actuator with a bending angle controllable at 0-410° was fabricated. This research is expected to bring about new possibilities in novel intelligent LCE devices with programmable stimuli-responsive properties and optimal actuation capacities.