Preparation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers, by F. Brömmel, D. Kramer, H. Finkelmann Applications of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers, by C. Ohm, M. Brehmer und R. Zentel Liquid Crystal Elastomers and Light, by Peter Palffy-Muhoray Electro-Opto-Mechanical Effects in Swollen Nematic Elastomers, by Kenji Urayama The Isotropic-to-Nematic Conversion in Liquid Crystalline Elastomers, by Andrija Lebar, George Cordoyiannis, Zdravko Kutnjak und Bostjan Zalar Order and Disorder in Liquid-Crystalline Elastomers, by Wim H. de Jeu und Boris I. Ostrovskii

This text is a primer for liquid crystals, polymers, rubber and elasticity. It is directed at physicists, chemists, material scientists, engineers and applied mathematicians at the graduate student level and beyond.

The work focuses on recent developments of the rapidly evolving field of Non-conventional Liquid Crystals. After a concise introduction it discusses the most promising research such as biosensing, elastomers, polymer films , photoresponsive properties and energy harvesting. Besides future applications it discusses as well potential frontiers in LC science and technology.

Liquid crystal displays were discovered in the 1960s, and today we continue to enjoy the benefits of that fundamental discovery and its translation into a wide variety of products. Like liquid crystals, polymers are unusual materials, and have similarly enjoyed a great deal of research attention because of their vast applications and uses and compl

This book provides a comprehensive overview of various self-assemblies in liquid crystalline polymers and their electrical, optical, mechanical, and flame retardant properties. Liquid crystalline polymers are unique self-assembled, functional soft materials with electrical, magnetic, and thermal responses which find potential applications in numerous areas. As well as providing an overview of their synthesis, self-assembly and dynamics the various applications are also discussed. Such applications as liquid crystalline elastomers, light responsive actuators, optical reflectors, gas barrier films, and even flame retardant polymers will be presented. The book is a useful resource for undergraduates, postgraduates and experienced researchers.

1. Liquid crystals: a unique phase of matter -- 2. Medical displays -- 3. Liquid crystals in spectroscopy, microscopy and hyperspectral imaging -- 4. Liquid crystal biosensors -- 5. Liquid crystak lasers -- 6. Biomimicking with liquid crystals -- 7. Actuators and delivery systems

This book provides an extensive overview of current trends in the area of elastomers and their composites from the chapters contributed by internationally recognized specialists. The book deals with novel synthesis, modelling and experimental methods in elastomers. Contents include: new approach to crosslinking, liquid crystal elastomers, nanocomposites, smart elastomers, elastomers in microelectronics and microfluidics, elastomers in cement concrete and mortar, experimental testing and modelling. Each section demonstrates how enhancements in materials, processes and characterization techniques can improve performance in the field of engineering. The book provides a unique opportunity to discover the latest research on elastomer advances from laboratories around the world. This book addresses to industrial and academic researchers in the fields of physical, chemical, biological sciences and engineering.