4D printing of liquid crystal elastomer composites with continuous fiber reinforcement.

ABSTRACT: Multifunctional composites have been continuously developed for a myriad of applications with remarkable adaptability to external stimuli and dynamic responsiveness. This study introduces a 4D printing method for liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) composites with continuous fibers and unveils their multifunctional actuation and exciting mechanical responses. During the printing process, the relative motion between the continuous fiber and LCE resin generates shear force to align mesogens and enable the monodomain state of the matrix materials. The printed composite lamina exhibits reversible folding deformations that are programmable by controlling printing parameters. With the incorporation of fiber reinforcement, the LCE composites not only demonstrate high actuation forces but also improved

SUBMITTER: Jiang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11445243 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature