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

Caitlin Krikorian, Elaine Lee, “Shape Changing of Responsive Elastomer Structures (SCoRES)” (Presentation. Engineering External Review Committee (ERC) meeting. October, 2023).

Michael Ford, “Comparison of Ink Formulations for Direct Ink Writing and Photothermal Actuation of Liquid Crystal Elastomers” (Presentation. Materials Research Society, April 14, 2023).

Michael Ford, “Materials synthesis and processing for additive manufacturing by direct ink writing” (Presentation, Invited talk at UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, April 2023).

Alicia Ng, “Embedded Direct Ink Writing of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomers” (Poster Presentation, Liquid Crystals Gordan Research Conference, June 2023).

Catherine Reyes,“Towards Printing Liquid Crystal Elastomers Using Dual Wavelength Projection” (Poster Presentation. Liquid Crystals Gordan Research Conference, June 2023).

Rodrigo Telles-Arriaga,“Controlling Liquid Crystal Elastomer Alignment via 3D Printing” (Poster Presentation, International Congress on Rheology, August 2023).

Caitlin Krikorian, “Stimuli Driven Morphing of Printed Liquid Crystal Elastomers” (Presentation. Solid Freeform Fabrication, August 15, 2023).

Callie Zheng, “Advances Towards Magnetic Alignment of Liquid Crystal Elastomers” (Presentation. LLNL Summer SLAM!, August 2023).

Carson Wolf, 2023, “Embedded 3D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers” (Presentation, LLNL Summer SLAM!, August 2023).

“Active self-releasing molds for casting of complex parts.” Patent. US. IL-13841, Accepted.

“Additive manufacturing assisted scaffolding for spatially aligned stimuli-responsive materials.” Patent. US. IL-13852, Accepted

“System for 3D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Arbitrary Alignment.” Patent. US. IL-13851, Accepted.

Ford, Michael. 2023. “Movement With Light: Photoresponsive Shape Morphing of Printed Liquid Crystal Elastomers.” In Press, Matter. 2023.