Picture: Oregon State University
Oregon State University has developed an approach to 3D printing that can be used to produce shape-changing materials. These materials, known as liquid crystal elastomers (LCE), could have a wide range of applications in areas such as robotics, medicine and energy technology.
Liquid crystal elastomers are weakly cross-linked polymer networks that can respond to external stimuli such as heat, storing or releasing mechanical energy.
“LCEs are basically soft motors,” said Roach, assistant professor of mechanical engineering. “Since they’re soft, unlike regular motors, they work great with our inherently soft bodies. So they can be used as implantable medical devices, for example, to deliver drugs at targeted locations, as stents for procedures in target areas, or as urethral implants that help with incontinence.”
One of the key challenges in the production of these materials is the precise alignment of the molecules, as this directly influences their shape-changing properties. By using a magnetic field during the digital light processing (DLP), a 3D printing technique, the researchers were able to optimize molecular alignment. In DLP, light hardens liquid resin with high precision, enabling the production of complex shapes.
“Flexible robots incorporating LCEs could explore areas that are unsafe or unfit for humans to go,” he said. “They have also been shown to have promise in aerospace as actuators for automated systems such as those for deep space grappling, radar deployment or extraterrestrial exploration.”
In addition to shape changeability, the mechanical damping properties of LCEs were investigated in a further study. Using direct inkjet printing, another additive manufacturing method, the team was able to develop shock absorbers that effectively absorb vibrations across different load rates. Such systems could be used in cars, buildings or bridges to reduce mechanical stress.
“Aligning the molecules is the key to unlocking the LCEs’ full potential and enabling their use in advanced, functional applications,” Roach said. “Our work opens up new possibilities for creating advanced materials that respond to stimuli in useful manners, potentially leading to innovations in multiple fields.”
The findings, published in Advanced Materials and Advanced Engineering Materials, show that liquid crystalline elastomers can be harnessed for a variety of advanced applications through 3D printing methods. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and shows the potential to set new standards in materials development.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
First Name
Last Name
E-Mail*
Privacy Policy*
I want to register for the newsletter for free.
You can find the privacy policy for the newsletter here. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time. For further questions, you can contact us here.
