Abstract
Liquid crystal surfaces can undergo topographical morphing in response to external cues. These shape-shifting coatings promise a revolution in various applications, from haptic feedback in soft robotics or displays to self-cleaning solar panels. The changes in surface topography can be controlled by tailoring the molecular architecture and mechanics of the liquid crystal network. However, the nanoscopic mechanisms that drive morphological transitions remain unclear. Here, we introduce a frequency-resolved nanostrain imaging method to elucidate the emergent dynamics underlying field-induced shape-shifting. We show how surface morphing occurs in three distinct stages: (i) the molecular dipoles oscillate with the alternating field (10–100 ms), (ii) this leads to collective plasticization of the glassy network (~1 s), (iii) culminating in actuation of the topography (10–100 s). The first stage appears universal and governed by dielectric coupling. By contrast, yielding and deformation rely on a delicate balance between liquid crystal order, field properties and network viscoelasticity.
Highlights
Liquid crystal surfaces can undergo topographical morphing in response to external cues
While digital holography microscopy (DHM) has proven successful at visualizing surface morphing in real time with high spatial resolution[5,6,7,8,9], it remains superficial with limited time resolution
We investigate the topographical morphing of well-established liquid crystal coatings which are homogeneous in chemical composition but heterogeneous in mechanical response[5]
Summary
Liquid crystal surfaces can undergo topographical morphing in response to external cues. In the pursuit of surfaces with programmable motility, coatings based on liquid crystal networks (LCNs) have emerged as a promising platform[1] These coatings undergo topographical changes in response to external triggers, resulting in adaptable surface roughness, mechanics, wetting or adhesion in a predesigned three-dimensional pattern[2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. Further advance of this unique class of materials would strongly benefit from a deeper understanding of the mechanisms governing topographical morphing It remains unclear how the application of an electric field sets in motion nanoscopic events that drive the ultimate microscopic shape-shifting. These insights into the inner workings of shape-shifting coatings provide clear design guidelines for the generation of morphing surfaces
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