Programmable Liquid Crystal Elastomers

This Special Topic focuses on liquid crystal elastomers where programmed macromolecular orientation leads to programmed properties, including but not limited to shape change, soft-elastic mechanical behavior, and optical properties. We invite authors to submit original research articles that develop new actuation mechanisms, investigate structure-property-processing relationships of liquid crystal elastomers, or utilize these relationships for new technical advances. In addition to original research articles, this Special Topic will contain invited tutorials from experts in the field that emphasize unique or emerging techniques for processing and characterizing liquid crystal elastomers as well as invited perspectives that highlight recent advances in liquid crystal elastomers.

Guest Editor: Jerry Qi and Taylor H. Ware