Robust and Multi-Functional Electrically Responsive Gold/Polydopamine-Coated Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Artificial Muscles.

ABSTRACT: Applying thin electrically conductive coatings to Liquid Crystalline Elastomers (LCEs) is an effective way of functionalizing two-way shape memory polymers with the ability to respond to electrical currents. However, achieving robust adhesion between a given electrically conductive coating and the surface of LCEs can be challenging. This can limit the functionality, performance, and potential applications of these materials. This work describes a facile method to develop electrically responsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomer polymeric artificial muscles with strain-sensing, self-actuation-sensing, and joule-heating features. In this work, the effect of treating LCEs with polydopamine (PDA) prior to functionalizing the LCE with an electrically conductive gold-sputtered coating was explored. T

SUBMITTER: Ince JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12608711 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature