Stimuli Responsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomers with Conductive Micro-Nano Materials

<p dir="ltr">This thesis explores the development and assessment of a class of polymer based artificial muscles known as "Liquid Crystalline Elastomers". This thesis reports two methods for producing Liquid Crystalline Elastomers that can move in response to electrical currents and also exhibit several properties and functions that natural muscles hold. Additionally, this thesis reports a method for producing long and fine Liquid Crystalline Elastomer fibres, and that these fibres can also be functionalised so that they move in response to electrical currents and exhibit several properties and functions that natural muscles hold.</p><p dir="ltr">Ultimately, this thesis provides insight into one of the most challenging pursuits of material science; making materials that can move. </p>