1
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Antonelli R, Fokkink R, Sprakel J, Kodger TE. Dynamics of individual inkjet printed picoliter droplet elucidated by high speed laser speckle imaging. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2141-2150. [PMID: 38351843 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01701j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Inkjet printing is a ubiquitous consumer and industrial process that involves concomitant processes of droplet impact, wetting, evaporation, and imbibement into a substrate as well as consequential substrate rearrangements and remodeling. In this work, we perform a study on the interaction between ink dispersions of different composition on substrates of increasing complexity to disentangle the motion of the liquid from the dynamic response of the substrate. We print three variations of pigmented inks and follow the ensuing dynamics at millisecond and micron time and length scales until complete drying using a multiple scattering technique, laser speckle imaging (LSI). Measurements of the photon transport mean free path, l*, for the printed inks and substrates show that the spatial region of information capture is the entire droplet volume and a depth within the substrate of a few μm beneath the droplet. Within this spatial confinement, LSI is an ideal approach for studying the solid-liquid transition at these small length and time scales by obtaining valid g2 and d2 autocorrelation functions and interpreting these dynamic changes under through kymographs. Our in situ LSI results show that droplets undergo delamination and cracking processes arising during droplet drying, which are confirmed by post mortem SEM imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Antonelli
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Remco Fokkink
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Joris Sprakel
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas E Kodger
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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2
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Feng W, He Q, Zhang L. Embedded Physical Intelligence in Liquid Crystalline Polymer Actuators and Robots. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2312313. [PMID: 38375751 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Responsive materials possess the inherent capacity to autonomously sense and respond to various external stimuli, demonstrating physical intelligence. Among the diverse array of responsive materials, liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) stand out for their remarkable reversible stimuli-responsive shape-morphing properties and their potential for creating soft robots. While numerous reviews have extensively detailed the progress in developing LCP-based actuators and robots, there exists a need for comprehensive summaries that elucidate the underlying principles governing actuation and how physical intelligence is embedded within these systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in developing actuators and robots endowed with physical intelligence using LCPs. This review is structured around the stimulus conditions and categorizes the studies involving responsive LCPs based on the fundamental control and stimulation logic and approach. Specifically, three main categories are examined: systems that respond to changing stimuli, those operating under constant stimuli, and those equip with learning and logic control capabilities. Furthermore, the persisting challenges that need to be addressed are outlined and discuss the future avenues of research in this dynamic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Feng
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiguang He
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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3
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Tang R, Gao W, Jia Y, Wang K, Datta BK, Zheng W, Zhang H, Xu Y, Lin Y, Weng W. Mechanochemically assisted morphing of shape shifting polymers. Chem Sci 2023; 14:9207-9212. [PMID: 37655017 PMCID: PMC10466301 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02404k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphing in creatures has inspired various synthetic polymer materials that are capable of shape shifting. The morphing of polymers generally relies on stimuli-active (typically heat and light active) units that fix the shape after a mechanical load-based shape programming. Herein, we report a strategy that uses a mechanochemically active 2,2'-bis(2-phenylindan-1,3-dione) (BPID) mechanophore as a switching unit for mechanochemical morphing. The mechanical load on the polymer triggers the dissociation of the BPID moiety into stable 2-phenylindan-1,3-dione (PID) radicals, whose subsequent spontaneous dimerization regenerates BPID and fixes the temporary shapes that can be effectively recovered to the permanent shapes by heating. A greater extent of BPID activation, through a higher BPID content or mechanical load, leads to higher mechanochemical shape fixity. By contrast, a relatively mechanochemically less active hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) mechanophore shows a lower fixing efficiency when subjected to the same programing conditions. Another control system without a mechanophore shows a low fixing efficiency comparable to the HABI system. Additionally, the introduction of the BPID moiety also manifests remarkable mechanochromic behavior during the shape programing process, offering a visualizable indicator for the pre-evaluation of morphing efficiency. Unlike conventional mechanical mechanisms that simultaneously induce morphing, such as strain-induced plastic deformation or crystallization, our mechanochemical method allows for shape programming after the mechanical treatment. Our concept has potential for the design of mechanochemically programmable and mechanoresponsive shape shifting polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University 422 South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P. R. China
| | - Wenli Gao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University 422 South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P. R. China
| | - Yulin Jia
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University 422 South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P. R. China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University 422 South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P. R. China
| | - Barun Kumar Datta
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University 422 South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P. R. China
| | - Wei Zheng
- College of Materials Science, Xiamen University 422 South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P. R. China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University 422 South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P. R. China
| | - Yuanze Xu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University 422 South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P. R. China
| | - Yangju Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University 443 Via Ortega, Stanford California 94305 USA
| | - Wengui Weng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University 422 South Siming Road Xiamen Fujian 361005 P. R. China
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4
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Kusters GLA, Storm C, van der Schoot P. Controlled gel expansion through colloid oscillation. Phys Rev E 2022; 106:044609. [PMID: 36397475 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.106.044609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We model the behavior of a single colloid embedded in a cross-linked polymer gel, immersed in a viscous background fluid. External fields actuate the particle into a periodic motion, which deforms the embedding matrix and creates a local microcavity, containing the particle and any free volume created by its motion. This cavity exists only as long as the particle is actuated and, when present, reduces the local density of the material, leading to swelling. We show that the model exhibits rich resonance features, but is overall characterized by clear scaling laws at low and high driving frequencies, and a pronounced resonance at intermediate frequencies. Our model predictions suggest that both the magnitude and position of the resonance can be varied by varying the material's elastic modulus or cross-linking density, whereas the local viscosity primarily has a dampening effect. Our work implies appreciable free-volume generation is possible by dispersing a collection of colloids in the medium, even at the level of a simple superposition approximation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido L A Kusters
- Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Storm
- Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Paul van der Schoot
- Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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5
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Uchida J, Soberats B, Gupta M, Kato T. Advanced Functional Liquid Crystals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109063. [PMID: 35034382 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals have been intensively studied as functional materials. Recently, integration of various disciplines has led to new directions in the design of functional liquid-crystalline materials in the fields of energy, water, photonics, actuation, sensing, and biotechnology. Here, recent advances in functional liquid crystals based on polymers, supramolecular complexes, gels, colloids, and inorganic-based hybrids are reviewed, from design strategies to functionalization of these materials and interfaces. New insights into liquid crystals provided by significant progress in advanced measurements and computational simulations, which enhance new design and functionalization of liquid-crystalline materials, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Bartolome Soberats
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, 07122, Spain
| | - Monika Gupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Shinshu University, Wakasato, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
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6
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Kusters GLA, van der Schoot P, Storm C. Transient response and domain formation in electrically deforming liquid crystal networks. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:3594-3604. [PMID: 35481873 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00125j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently, three distinct, well-separated transient regimes were discovered in the dynamics of the volume expansion of shape-shifting liquid crystal network films in response to the switching on of an alternating electric field [Van der Kooij et al., Nat. Commun., 2019, 10, 1]. Employing a spatially resolved, time-dependent Landau theory that couples local volume generation to the degree of orientational order of mesogens that are part of a viscoelastic network, we are able to offer a physical explanation for the existence of three time scales. We find that the initial response is dominated by overcoming the impact of thermal noise, after which the top of the film expands, followed by a permeation of this response into the bulk region. An important signature of our predictions is a significant dependence of the three time scales on the film thickness, where we observe a clear thin-film-to-bulk transition. The point of transition coincides with the emergence of spatial inhomogeneities in the bulk of the film in the form of domains separated by regions of suppressed expansion. This ultimately gives rise to variations in the steady-state overall expansion of the film and may lead to uncontrolled patterning. According to our model, domain formation can be suppressed by (1) decreasing the thickness of the as-prepared film, (2) increasing the linear dimensions of the mesogens, or (3) their degree of orientational order when cross-linked into the network. Our findings provide a handle to achieve finer control over the actuation of smart liquid crystal network coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido L A Kusters
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Applied Physics, 5612AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul van der Schoot
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Applied Physics, 5612AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Cornelis Storm
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Applied Physics, 5612AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, 5612AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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7
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Astam MO, Zhan Y, Slot TK, Liu D. Active Surfaces Formed in Liquid Crystal Polymer Networks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:22697-22705. [PMID: 35142206 PMCID: PMC9136844 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c21024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in animating materials to develop dynamic surfaces. These dynamic surfaces can be utilized for advanced applications, including switchable wetting, friction, and lubrication. Dynamic surfaces can also improve existing technologies, for example, by integrating self-cleaning surfaces on solar cells. In this Spotlight on Applications, we describe our most recent advances in liquid crystal polymer network (LCN) dynamic surfaces, focusing on substrate-based topographies and dynamic porous networks. We discuss our latest insights in the mechanisms of deformation with the "free volume" principle. We illustrate the scope of LCN technology through various examples of photo-/electropatterning, free-volume channeling, oscillating/programmable network distortion, and porous LCNs. Finally, we close by discussing prominent applications of LCNs and their outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert O. Astam
- Laboratory
of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven AE 5612, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven AE 5612, The Netherlands
| | - Yuanyuan Zhan
- Laboratory
of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven AE 5612, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven AE 5612, The Netherlands
| | - Thierry K. Slot
- Laboratory
of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven AE 5612, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven AE 5612, The Netherlands
| | - Danqing Liu
- Laboratory
of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven AE 5612, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven AE 5612, The Netherlands
- SCNU-TUE
Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National
Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
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8
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Kusters GLA, Tito NB, Storm C, van der Schoot P. Controlling permeation in electrically deforming liquid crystal network films: A dynamical Landau theory. Phys Rev E 2021; 104:054701. [PMID: 34942727 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.104.054701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Liquid crystal networks exploit the coupling between the responsivity of liquid crystalline mesogens, e.g., to electric fields, and the (visco)elastic properties of a polymer network. Because of this, these materials have been put forward for a wide array of applications, including responsive surfaces such as artificial skins and membranes. For such applications, the desired functional response must generally be realized under strict geometrical constraints, such as provided by supported thin films. To model such settings, we present a dynamical, spatially heterogeneous Landau-type theory for electrically actuated liquid crystal network films. We find that the response of the liquid crystal network permeates the film from top to bottom, and illustrate how this affects the timescale associated with macroscopic deformation. Finally, by linking our model parameters to experimental quantities, we suggest that the permeation rate can be controlled by varying the aspect ratio of the mesogens and their degree of orientational order when crosslinked into the polymer network, for which we predict a single optimum. Our results contribute specifically to the rational design of future applications involving transport or on-demand release of molecular cargo in liquid crystal network films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido L A Kusters
- Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelis Storm
- Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands
| | - Paul van der Schoot
- Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands
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9
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Gonzalez-Nelson A, Mula S, Šimėnas M, Balčiu Nas S, Altenhof AR, Vojvodin CS, Canossa S, Banys JR, Schurko RW, Coudert FX, van der Veen MA. Emergence of Coupled Rotor Dynamics in Metal-Organic Frameworks via Tuned Steric Interactions. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:12053-12062. [PMID: 34324323 PMCID: PMC8361432 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c03630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The organic components
in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)
are unique: they are embedded in a crystalline lattice, yet, as they
are separated from each other by tunable free space, a large variety
of dynamic behavior can emerge. These rotational dynamics of the organic
linkers are especially important due to their influence over properties
such as gas adsorption and kinetics of guest release. To fully exploit
linker rotation, such as in the form of molecular machines, it is
necessary to engineer correlated linker dynamics to achieve their
cooperative functional motion. Here, we show that for MIL-53, a topology
with closely spaced rotors, the phenylene functionalization allows
researchers to tune the rotors’ steric environment, shifting
linker rotation from completely static to rapid motions at frequencies
above 100 MHz. For steric interactions that start to inhibit independent
rotor motion, we identify for the first time the emergence of coupled
rotation modes in linker dynamics. These findings pave the way for
function-specific engineering of gear-like cooperative motion in MOFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Gonzalez-Nelson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.,DPI, P.O.Box 92, 5600 AX Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Srinidhi Mula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Mantas Šimėnas
- Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University, LT-10222 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Adam R Altenhof
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4390, United States.,National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - Cameron S Vojvodin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4390, United States.,National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - Stefano Canossa
- EMAT, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ju Ras Banys
- Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University, LT-10222 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Robert W Schurko
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4390, United States.,National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - François-Xavier Coudert
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Monique A van der Veen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
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10
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Antonelli R, Fokkink R, Tomozeiu N, Sprakel J, Kodger TE. High-speed laser speckle imaging to unravel picoliter drop-on-demand to substrate interaction. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2021; 92:083906. [PMID: 34470387 DOI: 10.1063/5.0011167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding phenomena such as evaporation and imbibition of picoliter droplets into porous substrates is crucial in printing industry to achieve a higher printing quality and print speed. After printing, the residual pigment must remain fixed at the desired location on a substrate and be of a desired volume to yield a high resolution and vibrantly printed page that has become the expectation of modern printing technology. Current research entails not only chemical composition of the ink but also how this links to the dynamics and interactions that occur between the ink and the substrate at every stage of the printed spot formation, including evaporation, wetting, and imbibition. In this paper, we present an instrument that can print on-demand picoliter volume droplets of ink onto substrates and then immediately record on evolution of the resulting dynamics when these two materials interact. This high-speed laser speckle imaging (HS-LSI) technique has been developed to monitor nanometer displacement of the drying and imbibing ink droplet at a high frame rate, up to 20000 Hz, given the short timescales of these interactions. We present the design of the instrument, discuss the related challenges and the theory underlying the LSI technique, specifically how photons non-evasively probe opaque objects in a multiple scattering regime, and show how this technique can unravel the dynamics of drying and imbibition. We will finish giving a validation on the instrument and an example of its usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Antonelli
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R Fokkink
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - N Tomozeiu
- Canon Production Printing, Sint Urbanusweg 43, 5914 CA Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - J Sprakel
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - T E Kodger
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
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11
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Xu Y, Dupont RL, Yao Y, Zhang M, Fang JC, Wang X. Random Liquid Crystalline Copolymers Consisting of Prolate and Oblate Liquid Crystal Monomers. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Robert L. Dupont
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yuxing Yao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Meng Zhang
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Jen-Chun Fang
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Xiaoguang Wang
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Sustainability Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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12
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Lavrentovich OD. Design of nematic liquid crystals to control microscale dynamics. LIQUID CRYSTALS REVIEWS 2021; 8:59-129. [PMID: 34956738 PMCID: PMC8698256 DOI: 10.1080/21680396.2021.1919576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The dynamics of small particles, both living such as swimming bacteria and inanimate, such as colloidal spheres, has fascinated scientists for centuries. If one could learn how to control and streamline their chaotic motion, that would open technological opportunities in the transformation of stored or environmental energy into systematic motion, with applications in micro-robotics, transport of matter, guided morphogenesis. This review presents an approach to command microscale dynamics by replacing an isotropic medium with a liquid crystal. Orientational order and associated properties, such as elasticity, surface anchoring, and bulk anisotropy, enable new dynamic effects, ranging from the appearance and propagation of particle-like solitary waves to self-locomotion of an active droplet. By using photoalignment, the liquid crystal can be patterned into predesigned structures. In the presence of the electric field, these patterns enable the transport of solid and fluid particles through nonlinear electrokinetics rooted in anisotropy of conductivity and permittivity. Director patterns command the dynamics of swimming bacteria, guiding their trajectories, polarity of swimming, and distribution in space. This guidance is of a higher level of complexity than a simple following of the director by rod-like microorganisms. Namely, the director gradients mediate hydrodynamic interactions of bacteria to produce an active force and collective polar modes of swimming. The patterned director could also be engraved in a liquid crystal elastomer. When an elastomer coating is activated by heat or light, these patterns produce a deterministic surface topography. The director gradients define an activation force that shapes the elastomer in a manner similar to the active stresses triggering flows in active nematics. The patterned elastomer substrates could be used to define the orientation of cells in living tissues. The liquid-crystal guidance holds a major promise in achieving the goal of commanding microscale active flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg D Lavrentovich
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Department of Physics, Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
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13
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Kusters GLA, Verheul IP, Tito NB, van der Schoot P, Storm C. Dynamical Landau-de Gennes theory for electrically-responsive liquid crystal networks. Phys Rev E 2020; 102:042703. [PMID: 33212707 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.102.042703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Liquid crystal networks combine the orientational order of liquid crystals with the elastic properties of polymer networks, leading to a vast application potential in the field of responsive coatings, e.g., for haptic feedback, self-cleaning surfaces, and static and dynamic pattern formation. Recent experimental work has further paved the way toward such applications by realizing the fast and reversible surface modulation of a liquid crystal network coating upon in-plane actuation with an AC electric field [Liu, Tito, and Broer, Nat. Commun. 8, 1526 (2017)10.1038/s41467-017-01448-w]. Here, we construct a Landau-type theory for electrically-responsive liquid crystal networks and perform molecular dynamics simulations to explain the findings of these experiments and inform on rational design strategies. Qualitatively, the theory agrees with our simulations and reproduces the salient experimental features. We also provide a set of testable predictions: the aspect ratio of the nematogens, their initial orientational order when cross-linked into the polymer network, and the cross-linking fraction of the network all increase the plasticization time required for the film to macroscopically deform. We demonstrate that the dynamic response to oscillating electric fields is characterized by two resonances, which can likewise be influenced by varying these parameters, providing an experimental handle to fine-tune device design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido L A Kusters
- Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands
| | - Inge P Verheul
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands
| | | | - Paul van der Schoot
- Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Storm
- Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands
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14
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Zhan Y, Zhou G, Lamers BA, Visschers FL, Hendrix MM, Broer DJ, Liu D. Artificial Organic Skin Wets Its Surface by Field-Induced Liquid Secretion. MATTER 2020; 3:782-793. [PMID: 32954253 PMCID: PMC7487776 DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Living organisms enhance their survival rate by excreting fluids at their surface, but man-made materials can also benefit from liquid secretion from a solid surface. Known approaches to secrete a liquid from solids are limited to passive release driven by diffusion, surface tension, or pressure. Remotely triggered release would give active control over surface properties but is still exceptional. Here, we report on an artificial skin that secretes functional fluids by means of radiofrequency electrical signals driven by dielectric liquid transport in a (sub-)microporous smectic liquid crystal network. The smectic order of the polymer network and its director determine the flow direction and enhance fluid transport toward the surface at pre-set positions. The released fluid can be reabsorbed by the skin using capillary filling. The fluid-active skins open avenues for robotic handling of chemicals and medicines, controlling tribology and fluid-supported surface cleaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhan
- SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Guofu Zhou
- SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Brigitte A.G. Lamers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Fabian L.L. Visschers
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marco M.R.M. Hendrix
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk J. Broer
- SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Danqing Liu
- SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
- Laboratory of Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices (SFD), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, 5612 AE Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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15
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McCracken JM, Donovan BR, White TJ. Materials as Machines. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1906564. [PMID: 32133704 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201906564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Machines are systems that harness input power to extend or advance function. Fundamentally, machines are based on the integration of materials with mechanisms to accomplish tasks-such as generating motion or lifting an object. An emerging research paradigm is the design, synthesis, and integration of responsive materials within or as machines. Herein, a particular focus is the integration of responsive materials to enable robotic (machine) functions such as gripping, lifting, or motility (walking, crawling, swimming, and flying). Key functional considerations of responsive materials in machine implementations are response time, cyclability (frequency and ruggedness), sizing, payload capacity, amenability to mechanical programming, performance in extreme environments, and autonomy. This review summarizes the material transformation mechanisms, mechanical design, and robotic integration of responsive materials including shape memory alloys (SMAs), piezoelectrics, dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), ionic electroactive polymers (IEAPs), pneumatics and hydraulics systems, shape memory polymers (SMPs), hydrogels, and liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) and networks (LCNs). Structural and geometrical fabrication of these materials as wires, coils, films, tubes, cones, unimorphs, bimorphs, and printed elements enables differentiated mechanical responses and consistently enables and extends functional use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselle M McCracken
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Brian R Donovan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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16
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van der Kooij H, Broer DJ, Liu D, Sprakel J. Electroplasticization of Liquid Crystal Polymer Networks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:19927-19937. [PMID: 32267679 PMCID: PMC7193546 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c01748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Shape-shifting liquid crystal networks (LCNs) can transform their morphology and properties in response to external stimuli. These active and adaptive polymer materials can have impact in a diversity of fields, including haptic displays, energy harvesting, biomedicine, and soft robotics. Electrically driven transformations in LCN coatings are particularly promising for application in electronic devices, in which electrodes are easily integrated and allow for patterning of the functional response. The morphing of these coatings, which are glassy in the absence of an electric field, relies on a complex interplay between polymer viscoelasticity, liquid crystal order, and electric field properties. Morphological transformations require the material to undergo a glass transition that plasticizes the polymer sufficiently to enable volumetric and shape changes. Understanding how an alternating current can plasticize very stiff, densely cross-linked networks remains an unresolved challenge. Here, we use a nanoscale strain detection method to elucidate this electric-field-induced devitrification of LCNs. We find how a high-frequency alternating field gives rise to pronounced nanomechanical changes at a critical frequency, which signals the electrical glass transition. Across this transition, collective motion of the liquid crystal molecules causes the network to yield from within, leading to network weakening and subsequent nonlinear expansion. These results unambiguously prove the existence of electroplasticization. Fine-tuning the induced emergence of plasticity will not only enhance the surface functionality but also enable more efficient conversion of electrical energy into mechanical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne
M. van der Kooij
- Physical Chemistry
and Soft Matter, Wageningen University &
Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Dutch
Polymer Institute (DPI), P.O. Box 902, 5600 AX Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J. Broer
- Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of
Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Danqing Liu
- Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of
Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Joris Sprakel
- Physical Chemistry
and Soft Matter, Wageningen University &
Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
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