Programmable and Self-Healable Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Based on Halogen Bonding |
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Authors: | Dr. Hongshuang Guo Dr. Chen Liang Dr. Tero-Petri Ruoko Dr. Henning Meteling Dr. Bo Peng Dr. Hao Zeng Prof. Arri Priimagi |
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Affiliation: | 1. Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University P.O. Box 541, 33101 Tampere, Finland;2. Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University P.O. Box 15100, 02150 Espoo, Finland |
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Abstract: | Shape-changing polymeric materials have gained significant attention in the field of bioinspired soft robotics. However, challenges remain in versatilizing the shape-morphing process to suit different tasks and environments, and in designing systems that combine reversible actuation and self-healing ability. Here, we report halogen-bonded liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) that can be arbitrarily shape-programmed and that self-heal under mild thermal or photothermal stimulation. We incorporate halogen-bond-donating diiodotetrafluorobenzene molecules as dynamic supramolecular crosslinks into the LCEs and show that these relatively weak crosslinks are pertinent for their mechanical programming and self-healing. Utilizing the halogen-bonded LCEs, we demonstrate proof-of-concept soft robotic motions such as crawling and rolling with programmed velocities. Our results showcase halogen bonding as a promising, yet unexplored tool for the preparation of smart supramolecular constructs for the development of advanced soft actuators. |
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Keywords: | Halogen Bond Liquid Crystal Elastomer Programmable Self-Healing Soft Actuator |
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