Shape Changing of Responsive Elastomer Structures

Executive Summary

We will develop a new class of additively manufactured materials based on liquid crystal elastomers that offer stimuli-dependent, tunable properties, such as a change in porosity and stiffness. This new class of architected liquid crystal elastomer materials—with controllable shape-change capabilities in response to heat, humidity, or light stimuli—will benefit mission-focused applications, such as tunable optics and lattice fluidics.

Publications, Presentations, and Patents

Krikorian, Caitlyn. 2022. “Responsive Additive Manufacturing Feedstock Materials.” Presentation. Materials Research Society, Spring Meeting, May 11, 2022.

Krikorian, Caitlyn. 2022. “Responsive Additive Manufacturing Feedstock Materials.” Poster. Gordon Research Conferences, Multifunctional Materials and Structures. September 27, 2022.

“Stereolithography Additive Manufacturing of Photoaligned Liquid Crystal Elastomers.” Accepted. US. IL-13720.

“Stereolithography Additive Manufacturing of Magnetically Aligned Liquid Crystal Elastomers.” Accepted. US. IL-13719.