Back to Search
Start Over
Programming Shape-Morphing Behavior of Liquid Crystal Elastomers via Parameter-Encoded 4D Printing
- Source :
- ACS applied materialsinterfaces. 12(13)
- Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Currently, four-dimensional (4D) printing programming methods are mainly structure-based, which usually requires more than one material to endow products with site-specific attributes. Here, we propose a new 4D printing programming approach that enables site-specific shape-morphing behaviors in a single material by regulating the printing parameters. Specifically, a direct ink writing three-dimensional (3D) printer with the ability to change printing parameters (e.g., deposition speed) on the fly is reported. By site-specifically adjusting print speed and print path to control the local nematic arrangements of printed liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), the shape-morphing behaviors of the LCEs can be successfully programmed. In this way, locally programmed popping-up, self-assembling, and oscillating behaviors can be designed by varying the print speed in specific regions. Snake-like curling is realized by uniformly boosting the print speed in a single line. Furthermore, two theories and an ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus are employed to reveal the mechanism behind this behavior. This work provides a feasible way to realize the gradient transition of material properties through a single material. It broadens the design space and pushes the envelope of 4D printing, which is expected to be helpful in the fabrication of soft robotics and flexible electronics.
- Subjects :
- Materials science
Inkwell
business.industry
Soft robotics
3D printing
Mechanical engineering
02 engineering and technology
010402 general chemistry
021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology
01 natural sciences
Flexible electronics
0104 chemical sciences
Morphing
Liquid crystal
General Materials Science
0210 nano-technology
Material properties
business
Envelope (motion)
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 19448252
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 13
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- ACS applied materialsinterfaces
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....883f2fbf4c7838075d66de736ed5da0d