Light-responsive polyurethane liquid crystal elastomer actuators with photochromic and multiple shape memory effects

Abstract

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have been widely studied as soft actuators due to their dramatic reversible deformation ability under various external stimuli. Among them, light-responsive multifunctional LCEs are particularly important, as integrating various functions into a polymer can greatly enhance the practical application of materials in complex external environments. In this study, we have developed a novel light responsive multifunctional polyurethane liquid crystal elastomer (PULCE) that not only simultaneously possesses the ability of photoinduced deformation and photochromic under UV light, but also exhibits the triple shape memory effect under thermal stimulation. Furthermore, the PULCE displays on-demand shape remoulding ability, which will further expand its recyclability. This study provides a new strategy for the construction of light responsive multifunctional LCE actuators and demonstrates their promising application potential in the field of intelligent material devices.