A multifunctional shape-morphing elastomer with liquid metal inclusions

Autor:	Chengfeng Pan, Michael J. Ford, Teresa A Kent, Cedric P. Ambulo, Jonathan A. Malen, Eric Markvicka, Carmel Majidi, Taylor H. Ware
Rok vydání:	2019
Předmět:	Liquid metal Morphing Phase transition Multidisciplinary Materials science Liquid crystal Physical Sciences Composite number Nanotechnology Shape-memory alloy Elastomer Microscale chemistry
Zdroj:	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 116:21438-21444
ISSN:	1091-6490 0027-8424
DOI:	10.1073/pnas.1911021116
Popis:	Significance Research in soft robotics and wearable technologies has led to increasing demand for shape-changing materials that can be powered with portable electronics. Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a promising functional material for these applications but lack the electrical and thermal conductivity required for electrically stimulated shape-memory activation. To address this, LCEs are typically embedded with rigid fillers that enhance conductivity. However, these particles degrade the mechanical properties and shape-morphing capabilities of the LCE matrix. Here, we overcome these limitations with an advanced material architecture in which rigid filler is replaced with deformable liquid metal inclusions. This results in LCE composites that exhibit a combination of high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, and actuation capabilities unlike any other soft composite.
Databáze:	OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz:	https://explore.openaire.eu/search/publication?articleId=doi_dedup___::de2a7614596d6ef72817817a3e74f0b8 https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1911021116 Zobrazit plný text záznamu