POS3-0973
Programming Multimodal Actuation under Constant Light in Spirally Aligned Liquid Crystal Polymers through Geometric Design
Topic
S3. Processing / Fabrications (Emerging Horizons in Polymer Processing and Fabrication)
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Heesuk KIM
Jinhye BAE
Presenter(s)
JAEGYEONG LEE (Hanyang university)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) have attracted significant attention in the fields of soft actuators and soft robotics because their anisotropic molecular organization enables molecular-scale contraction induced by light or heat to be translated into macroscopic deformation at the bulk scale. In particular, photoresponsive LCPs commonly exploit the photoisomerization of azobenzene moieties, where light-induced contraction in the surface layer drives actuation. However, it remains challenging for conventional LCP actuators to continuously exhibit more than one type of actuation in response to a constant stimulus. In this study, we demonstrate sustained actuation under light irradiation using spirally aligned liquid crystal polymers, where geometric control enables rotation and oscillation either independently or simultaneously. To induce spiral alignment, we developed a custom-built rubbing machine and controlled the spiral angle by adjusting the rubbing speed. The resulting spirally aligned LCPs exhibited rotation and oscillation through control of the radius and inner circular geometry. Finally, we achieved undulatory motion resembling the swimming motion of an eel by introducing a C-shaped geometry. This work demonstrates the integration of multiple actuation modes within a single material system, providing a promising strategy for the development of multimodal soft robots.
