@article{21818,
  abstract     = {Surface-aligned liquid-crystal networks (LCNs) offer a solution for developing functional materials capable of performing a range of tasks, including actuation, shape memory, and surfaces patterning. Here we show that Diels–Alder cycloaddition can be used to prepare the backbone of planar aligned LCNs under mild ambient conditions without the addition of additives or UV irradiation. The mechanical properties of the networks have robust viscoelastic modulus and stiffness with a reversible local free volume change upon physical aging. This study shows new opportunities to design surface-aligned LCNs based on additive free step-growth Diels–Alder polymerization and enables the potential to incorporate a wider range of photochromic materials into LCNs.},
  author       = {Park, Minwook and Stricker, Friedrich J and Campos, Jesus Guillen and Clark, Kyle D. and Lee, Jaejun and Kwon, Younghoon and Valentine, Megan T. and Read de Alaniz, Javier},
  issn         = {2161-1653},
  journal      = {ACS Macro Letters},
  number       = {1},
  pages        = {33--39},
  publisher    = {American Chemical Society},
  title        = {{Design of surface-aligned main-chain liquid-crystal networks prepared under ambient, light-free conditions using the Diels–Alder cycloaddition}},
  doi          = {10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00616},
  volume       = {12},
  year         = {2023},
}