• Journal of Information Display
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.55-59
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• 2012

In this paper, a concept of an integrated elastomer substrate for a three-dimensional (3D) liquid crystal display based on the integral-imaging method is presented. The elemental lens array and columnar spacers were integrated into one of the two substrates, an elastomer substrate, through an imprinting process. The integrated elastomer substrate was capable of maintaining the uniform liquid crystal (LC) cell gap and promoting homeotropic LC alignment without any surface treatment. The monolithic approach reported herein will provide a key component for 3D displays with enhanced portability through a more than 40% weight reduction compared with the conventional integral-imaging method.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.347-356
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• 2023

Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers have been widely applied in various fields, such as soft robots and biomimetic actuators, in a one-dimensional form. LCEs possess the characteristics of both fluidity and solid order, as well as the elasticity of rubber, and exhibit stimulus-response based on these properties. In particular, by programming the responsiveness to various stimuli such as heat, light, electric fields, and magnetic fields in terms of shape-changing, various movements such as lifting, twisting, and rotating can be realized with high degrees of freedom. Therefore, LCE fibers have the potential for application in various fields such as artificial muscles, soft robots, wearable technologies, and sensing technologies. The research on liquid crystal elastomer fibers is evaluated to have high applicability in various fields in the Fourth Industrial Revolution as a smart material that can include various functionalities beyond simple fibers. In this review, we introduce the structure and basic characteristics of liquid crystal elastomer fibers, the latest research trends on orientation-based fabrication methods, and various applications such as artificial muscles, smart fabrics, and soft robots.

• Prospectives of Industrial Chemistry
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.19-31
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• 2021

자극응답성 액정 엘라스토머(liquid crystal elastomer)는 하이드로겔(hydrogel), 형상 기억 고분자(shape memory polymer)와 더불어 생체 특성을 모방한 인공 근육, 소프트 액추에이터 및 소프트 로봇을 위한 스마트 소재로 최근 높은 관심을 받고 있다. 특히, 액정 엘라스토머는 고무 탄성과 액정 이방성이 결합된 비등방성 탄성 고분자로, 열, 빛, 전기 및 수분과 같은 외부자극에 반응하여 가역적이며, 액정 분자들의 배향조절을 통한 프로그램된 변형이 가능하다. 액정 엘라스토머가 개념 증명을 하는 수준을 넘어 실제로 유용한 소프트 액추에이터 및 로봇 시스템에 적용되기 위해서는 우수한 구동력 및 작업 용량, 높은 구동 변형률, 빠른 응답 시간, 낮은 구동 온도, 다양한 외부 자극반응성 및 높은 에너지 전환 효율 등을 확보하는 것이 중요하다. 본 기고문에서는 액정 엘라스토머의 개념에 대해 소개하고, 이러한 소재가 소프트 액추에이터로써 광범위하게 활용될 수 있도록 다양한 성능들을 향상시킬 수 있는 방법에 대해 소개하고자 한다.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.169-274
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• 2024

Recent attention has been drawn to materials that undergo reversible expansion and contraction in response to external stimuli, leading to morphological changes. These materials hold potential applications in various fields including soft robotics, sensors, and artificial muscles. In this study, a novel material capable of responding to high temperatures for protection or encapsulation is proposed. To achieve this, liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with nematic-isotropic transition properties and polyimide (PI) with high mechanical strength and thermal stability were utilized. To utilize a solution process, a dope solution was synthesized and introduced into micro-printing techniques to develop a two-dimensional pattern of LCE/PI bilayer structures with sub-millimeter widths. The honeycomb-patterned LCE/PI bilayer mesh combined the mechanical strength of PI with the high-temperature contraction behavior of LCE, and selective printing of LCE facilitated deformation in desired directions at high temperatures. Consequently, the functionality of selectively and reversibly encapsulating specific high-temperature materials was achieved. This study suggests potential applications in various actuator fields where functionalities can be implemented across different temperature ranges without the need for electrical energy input, contingent upon molecular changes in LCE.

• 한국정보디스플레이학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2005.07a
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• pp.553-557
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• 2005

The nature of the phase transition in nematic liquid crystalline elastomer is investigated using NMR and calorimetry. The balance between ordering and disordering effects of the polymer network is identified as crucial for the behavior of the order parameter near the phase transition. The change from supercritical to critical regime with adding low molecular weight liquid crystal to the elastomer is proven.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.55-61
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• 2022

In this work, we report a highly deformable covalent adaptable-liquid crystal elastomer (CA-LCE) comprising dynamic thiourea bonds that enable macromolecular network rearrangement at elevated temperatures. The exchange of chain network is verified through stress-relaxation analyses and follows Arrhenius-type behavior. The unique capability of rearranging the chain network in the CA-LCE provides useful properties, such as welding, melt reprocessing, and shape reprogramming, that cannot be achieved by the conventional LCE comprising permanent crosslinks. Reversible actuation is further demonstrated by reprogramming the polydomain CA-LCE into a monodomain via mechanical stretching at elevated temperatures.

• 한국정보디스플레이학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2005.07a
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• pp.374-377
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• 2005

We proposed a new fabrication method for stable flexible LCDs using stamping method with durable elastomer such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). In the device, the LC molecules are isolated in pixels where LCs are surrounded by PDMS microstructure, and two substrates are tightly attached by phase separated polymer layer. The electro-optic characteristics of our cell are comparable to those of normal sample without PDMS microstructure. We propose cost-effective roll-to-roll process for large size of plastic LCDs with our method.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.282-291
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• 2012

Control of shape/volume, mechanical, optical, electrical, and chemical switching of materials by external stimuli such as light, temperature, pH, electric field, and pressure has attracted great attention. Among these materials, photo-responsive materials containing photochromic compounds such as azobenzene, spiropyran, and cinnamic acid groups have been the subject of intense interest in recent years. In this review, we describe the recent progress in the area of azobenzene containing polymer materials that can convert light energy into mechanical energy directly. Especially we focus our attention on light-driven actuators such as artificial muscle, motor, and valve. We summarize the photomechanical effects in liquid crystal elastomer, amorphous polymer, monolayer, and supramolecules containing azobenzene, respectively.