Liquid Crystal Network Soft Actuator with Large Deformations Driven by High‐Frequency and Low‐Voltage Electric Field

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, electrically responsive liquid crystal network (LCN) based soft actuators are presented that can achieve large deformations under an alternating current (AC) electric field. These LCN actuators are prepared by photopolymerization of liquid crystal acrylate monomers with polar end groups, which form polar side chains in the networks. Actuation is initiated by applying a high‐frequency and low‐voltage electric field. When this AC field is applied, the LC mesogens, especially the polar side chains, can oscillate, decreasing the molecular order, and creating free volume in the LCNs, which further results in anisotropic deformation. The formed shapes range from bending to bulging, depending on the programmed molecular alignment. The actuation proceeds fast within 5 s both for activation and for the relaxation to the initial state upon switching the power on and off. This LCN soft actuator exhibits fast response, low power consumption, and high precision, making it a promising candidate for applications in soft robotics, microfluidics, and biomimetic muscles.