An innovative article published in “Advanced Functional Materials” titled “Coaxial‐Spun Hollow Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fiber as a Versatile Platform for Functional Composites” delves into the creation of hollow liquid crystal elastomer (h‐LCE) fibers. These fibers, produced through a coaxial spinning process, offer a novel approach to integrating multifunctionalities into LCE composites. Originating from the structure of skeletal muscle fibers, the h‐LCE fibers demonstrate exceptional potential by incorporating various filling media for diverse applications. The article taps into the potential of these fibers to revolutionize fields such as soft robotics and artificial muscles.
Technological Advancements in h-LCE Fibers
The coaxial spinning technique used to create h‐LCE fibers entails crafting a hollow fiber with an outer LCE shell that can be programmed for specific actuation and an inner channel to incorporate different functional media. This design allows the fibers to exhibit multiple functionalities by integrating various media, such as flowing water for rapid actuation and recovery, liquid metal for electrical control, and optical fibers for light-guided actuation. The versatility of these fibers is evident in their capability to respond quickly and adapt to different stimuli.
Laboratory fabrication of these h‐LCE fibers has achieved lengths exceeding 3 meters, with outer and inner diameters as small as 250 mm and 120 μm, respectively. Such precise manufacturing is crucial for applications requiring high-performance materials. The fibers’ design is inspired by the fiber-tubule architecture found in skeletal muscles, which allows them to mimic natural movements and functions effectively.
Applications and Multifunctionalities
The h‐LCE fibers’ multifunctional capabilities are showcased through various applications. For instance, integrating water flow within the fibers can create fast-response stiffness-tunable actuators, while the inclusion of shape memory polymer (SMP) can enhance the mechanical properties of the composites. Additionally, incorporating liquid metal into the fibers enables the creation of electrically driven actuating systems, and combining SMP with PDMS optical fiber results in actuating light-guides. These diverse applications underscore the potential of h‐LCE fibers to advance the design of multifunctional LCE composites.
Comparing this new development to earlier studies, it is evident that previous research primarily focused on single-function LCE materials. Earlier methods were limited in integrating multiple functionalities within the same composite, often resulting in restricted applications. However, the introduction of h‐LCE fibers represents a significant shift towards multifunctionality, enabling the integration of various media and expanding potential applications.
Past innovations in LCE composites were often constrained by the mechanical and functional limitations of the materials used. The coaxial spinning approach marks a noteworthy departure from these constraints by allowing the development of fibers with enhanced versatility and responsiveness. This advancement in the fabrication process sets a new benchmark for future research and application in the field of LCE composites.
The unique design and multifunctionality of h‐LCE fibers hold promising implications for their application in various fields. Soft robotics and artificial muscles can particularly benefit from these advancements due to the fibers’ ability to mimic natural movements and respond to different stimuli. Additionally, the integration of various functional media within the fibers opens up new possibilities for creating high-performance, adaptive materials that can be used in a wide range of industries.
Overall, the fabrication of h‐LCE fibers through coaxial spinning represents a significant step forward in the design of multifunctional LCE composites. By incorporating different filling media, these fibers can achieve various functionalities, making them suitable for applications in soft robotics, artificial muscles, and beyond. Continued research and development in this area are expected to further enhance the capabilities and applications of h‐LCE fibers, paving the way for innovative solutions in advanced materials.
- h‐LCE fibers provide multifunctionality via different filling media integration.
- Produced via coaxial spinning, fibers exhibit precise dimensions and flexibility.
- Applications include soft robotics, artificial muscles, and adaptive materials.
