ABSTRACT

Liquid crystalline epoxy networks (LCENs) are a class of materials that combine the useful benefits of both liquid crystals and epoxy networks exhibiting fascinating thermal, mechanical, and stimuli-responsive properties. They have emerged as a new platform for developing functional materials suitable for various applications, such as sensors, actuators, smart coatings and adhesives, tunable optical systems, and soft robotics. This article provides an overview of LCENs and their composites as functional materials, including their synthesis and characterisation, focusing on structure-processing–property relationships. We provide objective analyses on how materials engineers can use these relationships to develop LCENs with desired functionalities for targeted applications. Emerging areas, including advanced manufacturing and multi-functional design of LCENs are covered to show the overall progress in this field. We also survey the forward-looking status of LCEN research in designing novel materials for future technologies.

摘要

液晶环氧树脂网络 (LCEN) 是一类结合了液晶和环氧树脂网络的有用优势的材料，具有迷人的热、机械和刺激响应特性。它们已成为开发适用于各种应用的功能材料的新平台，例如传感器、致动器、智能涂层和粘合剂、可调谐光学系统和软机器人。本文概述了 LCEN 及其作为功能材料的复合材料，包括它们的合成和表征，重点关注结构-加工-性能关系。我们就材料工程师如何利用这些关系开发具有目标应用所需功能的 LCEN 提供客观分析。新兴领域，包括LCEN的先进制造和多功能设计，以展示该领域的整体进展。我们还调查了 LCEN 研究在为未来技术设计新材料方面的前瞻性状况。