The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

We enhance liquid crystal elastomer–based artificial muscles by incorporating ultrahigh–aspect ratio graphene fillers that provide strong mechanical reinforcement and efficient photothermal conversion. Liquid crystalline moieties spontaneously self-assemble on graphene surfaces through π–π interactions and hydrogen bonding, inducing a reversible percolated graphene network exclusively in the contracted state. This reversible percolation preserves the large actuation strain of liquid crystal elastomers across the LC phase transition while preventing mechanical degradation in the disordered state. In addition, graphene enables rapid near-infrared light–driven actuation, achieving response speeds approximately five times faster than conventional thermal heating. The reversible graphene network further allows real-time monitoring of actuation behavior and selective mechanical reinforcement, offering a versatile platform for high-performance soft actuators.