Customizable Sophisticated Three-Dimensional Shape Changes of Large-Size Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators

Stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), which exhibit sophisticated and versatile shape variations and functions upon stimulations, have constantly interested material science researchers. To date, many challenges still exist in scaling up orientated LCEs with sophisticated physical shapes and multi-functions. Herein, LCEs with various customizable conventional and exotic three-dimensional (3D) shapes and with sizes larger than those previously reported have been prepared by combining magnetic field alignment and soft lithography technology. These LCEs have film, cylinder, ellipsoid, hemispheroid, tube, pyramid, triangle and rectangle frame, grid pattern, cubic frame, and spring shapes. Meanwhile, diversified deformation behaviors such as contraction, expansion, bending, and twisting have been achieved by effectively controlling the alignment directions. Finally, the LCE actuator with hemispheroid shape has been explored for its possible applications in dynamic Braille displays or lenses with adjustable focal length. The simple strategy reported here provides a convenient way to customize multimorphological large-size 3D LCE actuators and their stimuli-responsive deformations. These systems will considerably enlarge the potential applications of LCEs and benefit the development of LCE soft robots and the future special bionic systems.