Tailoring Novel Behaviours in Liquid Crystal Elastomers Through Design

This PhD project explores designing and engineering novel behaviours and responses into liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), from understanding their fundamental molecular organisation to creating functional materials with applications towards advanced technologies. Liquid crystal elastomers are an exciting class of soft materials that combine the orientational order of liquid crystals with the elasticity of polymers, giving rise to remarkable properties such as mechanical anisotropy, programmable shape change, auxeticity, and stimuli-responsive behaviour. There will be a particular focus on patterning of the liquid crystal elastomer surface or bulk to elicit a desired response relevant to an application. Potential applications include next-generation metamaterials, optical devices, and energy solutions. Using a combination of experimental approaches, including optical microscopy, profilometry, X-ray scattering, mechanical testing and spectroscopy, students will investigate how molecular structure and processing routes control material parameters. The project provides training relevant for a career in soft matter physics and materials science with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated student with a background in physics, engineering, materials science, or a related discipline, who is keen to develop experimental skills while contributing to cutting-edge research in soft advanced materials.