Molecular Orientation Changes in Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystal Elastomers Under Compression Deformation

Abstract

Chiral nematic liquid crystal elastomers exhibit wavelength-selective reflection based on their twisted molecular structure. This wavelength selectivity depends on the pitch of the helical structure, allowing the changing color of the elastomer films under stretching deformation to visualize strain. In this study, we applied compressive strain to chiral nematic liquid crystal elastomers and observed the relationship between compressive strain and reflection wavelength. Additionally, we analyzed the deformation behavior by evaluating the circular polarization selectivity of the reflected light.