Scalable and Robust Liquid Crystal Elastomer Composite Yarn Actuators with Multistimulus Response Actuation Performances

Abstract

Fiber-based actuators, including liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers, have the capacity to convert external stimuli into mechanical motion, which lends them promising applications in soft robotics and wearable systems. However, conventional LCE fibers have been found to exhibit poor mechanical robustness and a single pattern of stimulus response. In this study, we have facily fabricated a LCE composite yarn actuator that exhibits both enhanced mechanical strength and the capacity for multistimulus response properties. This has been achieved by combining dry spinning with textile twisting technologies. The actuator demonstrates a uniform radial size of the fiber (360 ± 10 μm) and exhibits remarkable breaking strength (199.2 MPa), rapid stable response deformation (35% within 6.5s), and good stability during long-term use and solves the creep problem inherent in the traditional LCE fibers. As a proof of concept, a novel smart fabric has been developed through the integration of an actuator substrate based on textile processing technology. This smart fabric demonstrates a multifaceted response to thermal, optical, and electrical stimuli along with precise manipulation capabilities and sustained stability. The actuator's performance demonstrates considerable promise for implementation in soft robotics, advanced wearable technologies, and next-generation flexible electronic systems.