Liquid Crystal Networks on Thermoplastics: Reprogrammable Photo‐Responsive Actuators

Abstract: Arbitrary shape (re) programming is appealing for fabricating untethered shape‐morphing photo‐actuators with intricate configurations and features. We present re‐programmable light‐responsive thermoplastic actuators with arbitrary initial shapes through spray‐coating of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with an azobenzene‐doped light‐responsive liquid crystal network (LCN). The initial geometry of the actuator is controlled by thermally shaping and fixing the thermoplastic PET, allowing arbitrary shapes, including origami‐like folds and left‐ and right‐handed helicity within a single sample. The thermally fixed geometries can be reversibly actuated through light exposure, with fast, reversible area‐specific actuation such as winding, unwinding and unfolding. By shape re‐programming, the same sample can be re‐designed and light‐actuated again. The strategy presented here demonstrates easy fabrication of mechanically robust, recyclable, photo‐responsive actuators with highly tuneable geometries and actuation modes.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Liquid Crystal Networks on Thermoplastics: Reprogrammable Photo‐Responsive Actuators ; volume:59 ; number:11 ; year:2020 ; pages:4532-4536 ; extent:5 ; Angewandte Chemie / International edition. International edition ; 59, Heft 11 (2020), 4532-4536 (gesamt 5)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Verpaalen, Rob C. P. ; Pilz da Cunha, Marina ; Engels, Tom A. P. ; Debije, Michael G. ; Schenning, Albert

Further information

• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201915147
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022061412275951255590
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:32 AM CEST