Infrared Light Induced Bending of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Composite-Silicone Bilayer Films

Author

Maika Moua, University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeFollow

Date of Award

May 2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Carolyn Aita

Committee Members

Joseph Aldstadt, Kristene Surerus

Abstract

This research centers on infrared (IR) light-induced bending of liquid crystalline elastomers (LCE) composite-silicone bilayer films. Two new developments are presented in this thesis. First, the reversible infrared (IR) induced bending of 0.1% (w/w) single walled nanotube (SWNT)-LCE/silicone bilayer films were successfully prepared and used for fabrication of functioning devices such as folding, grabbing, and crawling structures. Second, the use of adding a filler (absorbs specific wavelength range), such as Dye 1002, into the LCE matrix achieved wavelength selectivity in LCE systems. The 0.2% (wt/wt) Dye 1002-LCE/silicone bilayer films demonstrated bending under a 980 nm laser source but no bending under a 1342 nm laser source. These developments are evidence that LCE systems can be used for making a variety of IR light-induced functional devices and that LCE systems can be tuned to absorb a specific wavelength range of IR light by adding a filler such as Dye 1002 into the LCE network.

Recommended Citation

Moua, Maika, "Infrared Light Induced Bending of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Composite-Silicone Bilayer Films" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 321.
https://dc.uwm.edu/etd/321