A Cut-and-Weld Process to 3D Architectures from Multiresponsive Crosslinked Liquid Crystalline Polymers

Crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers (CLCPs) have garnered extensive attention in recent years for their significant values in the design of light-driven soft actuators. However, poor processabilities due to the insoluble and infusible crosslinked networks prevent their practical applications severely. In this study, a weldable azobenzene-containing CLCP is designed with photo- and humidity-responsive actuations, which enables a cut-and-weld process to 3D CLCP architectures. The tensile properties and stability are almost unchanged after welding, much better than those of the films pasted by common adhesive tapes. Meanwhile, the mechanisms of the welding process are clarified on the base of surface hydrogen bonding and further crosslinking. By taking advantage of the cut-and-weld process, a 3D “claw” integrated into a robotic arm is realized for grabbing millimeter-scale objects by remote control. This work enhances significantly not only the processability of CLCP films but also the utilization of leftover pieces, which provides an efficient approach to create functional 3D structures from film precursors for the potential application in the smart materials.