Temperature Dependence of Electromechanical Effects in a Swollen Polydomain Liquid Crystalline Elastomer

Abstract

We report electromechanical effects in a swollen polydomain liquid crystalline elastomer (POLY-LCE). Owing to the director reorientation, we could directly observe its deformation in the unconstrained elastomer gel state. Using optical image analysis, the deformation amplitude, threshold voltage, and temporal characteristics of the POLY-LCE were quantitatively measured with varying voltage and temperature. From the experimental results we discuss the deformation mechanism and property of the POLY-LCE.