Multi-responsive polymeric microstructures with encoded pre-determined and self-regulated deformability

Dynamic functions of biological systems often rely on arrays of actively deformable microstructures undergoing a huge range of pre-determined and self-regulated reconfigurations and motions. Here, we introduce stimuli-responsive microstructures based on liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) that display a broad range of hierarchical, even mechanically-unfavored deformation behaviors. Using patterned magnetic fields during polymerization, we encode any desired uniform mesogen orientation into the resulting LCE microstructures, which is read-out upon heating above the nematic-isotropic transition as a prescribed deformation. By further introducing light-responsive moieties, we demonstrate multi-functionality of the LCEs with three actuation modes controlled by different external stimuli. We finally create patterned arrays of microstructures with encoded area-specific deformation modes and show their functions in responsive release of cargo, image concealment, and light-controlled reflectivity. We foresee that this platform can be widely applied in soft robotics and smart buildings.

This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy under Award Number DE-SC0005247 and by the Department of Defense, Army Research Office under Award Number W911NF-17-1-0351.