Novel 3D Printed Liquid Crystal Elastomers and the Characterization of their Anisotropy, Rate-Dependency, and Dissipation Properties
Overview Liquid-crystal elastomers (LCEs) uniquely combine molecular ordering with entropic elasticity. The result is a class of anisotropic elastomers with remarkable properties spanning stimuli responsive actuation to exceptional dissipation of mechanical energy. Our group has recently developed a range of photopolymerizable LCE resins and inks which we 3D print using direct ink writing (DIW) and…
