Programmable Soft Actuator with Hybrid Responsiveness Based on Conductive MOF-Liquid Crystal Polymer Composite
발표자
홍태균 (KAIST)
연구책임자
윤동기 (KAIST)
초록
내용
Soft robotics offers flexible solutions to challenges like aging populations and workforce decline, especially in medical and healthcare settings. A key component is the soft actuator, enabling movement through compliant materials. Liquid crystals (LCs) are promising due to their large, reversible deformation under stimuli. Here, we present an LC-based soft actuator integrated with a photothermally active metal-organic framework (MOF), Cu₃(HHTP)₂. This MOF exhibits strong UV absorption via π-π* transitions, enabling rapid actuation. Using an electric field, Cu₃(HHTP)₂ was aligned within the LC matrix, allowing for controlled bilayer formation and reversible on/off actuation. Bending motion arises from anisotropic LC contraction and thermal expansion mismatch. The actuation behavior varied with UV irradiation angle and MOF alignment. Additionally, mechanical and bending performance were tunable by controlling MOF orientation.