Mechanical Actuation via Homeomorphic Transformations of Topological Solitons Within Polymer Coatings.

Topological solitons are currently under investigation for their exotic properties, especially in nonlinear physics, optics, and material sciences. However, challenges of robust generation and limited stability over time have hindered their practical uses. To address this issue, we developed an approach to form structured arrays of solitons in films of polymerizable liquid crystals. We preserved their complex molecular architecture by in-situ photopolymerization forming a stable liquid crystal network. Most excitingly, we have advanced their properties to include responsiveness functions. When thermally actuated, these topological solitons mediate the reconfiguration of surface topographies. Complex shape changes occur depending on the intrinsic complex spatial distribution of the director which may even lead to full shape inversion and topographical changes as high as ∼40% of the initial thickness. Conversely, the shape changes provide information on the initial director profile which is consistent with our mathematical model. The soliton-containing polymer coatings are applicable in multiple domains, ranging from tunable optics to haptics and from shape-coupled sensing systems to temperature-coupled heat management. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.