Multisensory Flexible Braille Interactive Device Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomers

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Bioinspired Construction of Artificial Cardiac Muscles Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fibers

Yunpeng Wang et al.

Summary: LCE has been utilized to simulate deformations and functions of skeletal and smooth muscles, but mimicking the motion of cardiac muscles and realizing structure-determined pumping functions remains a challenge.

ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES (2022)

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Article Chemistry, Physical

Multiresponse Shape-Memory Nanocomposite with a Reversible Cycle for Powerful Artificial Muscles

Chi Chen et al.

Summary: A novel multifunctional programmable artificial muscle was designed, combining the advantages of semicrystalline polymers and liquid crystal elastomers, showcasing remarkable performance and programmability. Through the combination of photoisomerization and photothermal conversion, the artificial muscle could rapidly achieve light-induced deformation and restoration, offering new possibilities for photoinduced actuation.

CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Innervated, Self-Sensing Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators with Closed Loop Control

Arda Kotikian et al.

Summary: The study reports the programmable assembly of innervated LCE actuators (iLCEs) with prescribed contractile actuation, self-sensing, and closed loop control via core-shell 3D printing. This research demonstrates that iLCEs can be regulated with closed loop control even when perturbed with large bias loads.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Phototunable self-oscillating system driven by a self-winding fiber actuator

Zhiming Hu et al.

Summary: Self-oscillating systems that enable autonomous motions driven by a constant stimulus find applications in numerous fields, but these systems are plagued with problems that restrict their practical applicability. Here, the authors create a photoactive self-winding fiber actuator that possesses a broad range of oscillation modes, controllable evolution between diverse modes, and loading capability.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

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Article Robotics

Electrospun liquid crystal elastomer microfiber actuator

Qiguang He et al.

Summary: The study demonstrates the fabrication of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) microfiber actuators using electrospinning technique, which exhibit exceptional performance in terms of large actuation strain, fast response speed, and high power density. The LCE microfibers also show excellent stability at high temperatures and can be remotely controlled using near-infrared laser through photothermal effect.

SCIENCE ROBOTICS (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary