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A light-fuelled wave machine

A polymer that incorporates liquid-crystal components generates continuous mechanical waves when lit by ultraviolet light, with potential applications for energy harvesting and self-cleaning surfaces. See Letter p.632 Liquid-crystal film makes waves Liquid-crystal networks are cross-linked polymers...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature (London) 2017-06, Vol.546 (7660), p.604-606
Main Author: Yu, Yanlei
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:A polymer that incorporates liquid-crystal components generates continuous mechanical waves when lit by ultraviolet light, with potential applications for energy harvesting and self-cleaning surfaces. See Letter p.632 Liquid-crystal film makes waves Liquid-crystal networks are cross-linked polymers made from macromolecules that self-organize into liquid-crystal phases. They can be programmed to respond to stimuli such as heat, electric fields and light, converting these stimuli into mechanical work or macroscopic deformation. Here Dirk Broer and colleagues develop azobenzenes with rapid cis -to- trans thermal relaxation times and incorporate them into liquid-crystal networks to generate photoactive polymer films. The films deform upon irradiation, and this deformation results in part of the film being shaded from further irradiation. The rapid relaxation then sets up a feedback loop, yielding continuous oscillating wave motion throughout the film. The authors take advantage of this oscillatory motion to demonstrate rudimentary self-propelled locomotion and a self-cleaning surface.
ISSN:0028-0836
1476-4687
DOI:10.1038/546604a