Synthesis of Liquid Crystal Elastomer and Investigation of Its Optical, Thermal and Mechanical Properties

In the present study an attempt is made to characterize optical, thermal and mechanical properties
ofLiquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) were using various techniques for understanding of their physical
behavior. The material used for investigation was synthesized using Finklemann procedure, with
proper cross linking density in nematic phase. The material is found to have unique coupling between
anisotropic order of liquid crystal component and elasticity of polymer network. The chemical
structures were confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron
Microscopy (SEM). Fabry Perot Scattering Studies (FPSS), Thermo gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and
Differential Scanning Calorimatory (DSC) were used to study optical and thermal properties. The
mechanical properties were studied using force sensor. Our investigation shows that this synthesized
LCE has ability of spontaneous change as a function of temperature and mechanical force, which
shows it a unique class of soft material.