A foldable compact actuator based on an oxetane liquid crystal network

The fabrication of a foldable, compact liquid crystal actuator based on oxetane reactive monomers is reported. free-standing network films are optically clear, flexible, and have easily tunable anisotropic thermal mechanical properties. networks demonstrate excellent one-way shape memory properties, with good temporary fixation complete recovery. In addition, the flexible polyether backbone results in large two-way bending actuation, actuators showing rotation inversion making multiple rotations. Both actuation mechanisms could be combined to form that can temporarily folded before fully recovering their original prior use. As result, great potential as actuators.