Abstract

BISPO, Miguel; DONNIO, Bertrand  and  GUILLON, Daniel. Les élastomères Cristaux Liquides. C.Tecn. Mat. [online]. 2007, vol.19, n.1-2, pp.34-40. ISSN 0870-8312.

Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCE) are weakly reticulated networks, presenting a non-classical elastic behavior. The possibility of coupling between the liquid crystal order and the network organization allows spontaneous elongations. These materials present memory effect, and can be used to prepare artificial muscles, case in which they have shown to present perfectly reversible elongation-contraction cycles, with good endurance. Activation may take place by temperature change, irradiation or submission to a magnetic field. Increasing interest is being deposited on these materials, for their simplicity (very useful in nanotechnologies, because it is easy to miniaturize), lightweight and no need for lubrication.

Keywords : Liquid Crystals; Elastomers; Artificial Muscles.

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