Actuation performances of catkin fibers reinforced thiol-acrylate main-chain liquid crystalline elastomer

ABSTRACT Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) have been utilized as an important class of smart actuator materials. However, the modest actuation mechanical and robustness performances remain a challenge. Inspired by the specific structures, well mechanical properties and physico-chemical characteristics of some natural plant fibers, a composite of thiol-acrylate main-chain LCE matrix incorporated with catkin fibers is designed and developed. The catkin fibers build a network as reinforcement phase, and demonstrate effective compatibility and integration property with the matrix, their high flexibility can be adapted to the large deformational performance of LCE matrix. The prepared LCE composite demonstrates strong mechanical actuation properties. The modulus and driving force triggered by the stimuli are obviously increased. The tensile strength and fatigue failure resistant property under high loadings and repeated cycles of thermal actuation or photothermal actuation are greatly enhanced. While the stimulus response deformation rate, phase transition temperature and liquid crystal phase structure of the LCE matrix, and so on, do not weaken or change. This work promotes the LCE materials’application potential and broadens the application value of natural plant fibers. Graphical abstract