Papers by Author: Maja Remškar

Abstract: MoO3-x nanowires belong to photocromic materials and are promising candidates for lithium intercalation, hydrogen sensing, and smart windows. We report on a successful preparation of liquid single crystal elastomers (LSCE) containing MoO3-x nanowires, mostly the conductive Mo5O14 phase. Preparation and basic chemical and physical properties of these materials are discussed in view of the potentiality of these composites as actuators. The particular combination of molybdenum based nanowires and LSCE enables functionalization of liquid single crystal elastomers preventing the pristine mechanical and optical properties of the host matrix.

Abstract: The insertion of inorganic nanoparticles and nanowires in a liquid crystalline elastomeric environment is here investigated. The combination of ferroelectric and conductive properties of the nanomaterials with the thermo-mechanical and shape memory response of liquid single crystal elastomers based on polysiloxane is indeed very promising for new technological applications, such as electroactive actuators. In this work the preparation and physical-chemical properties of new composites are presented and discussed in comparison with those of standard liquid single crystal elastomers (LSCEs). In particular, we are reporting the preliminary results of new composites including either lead titanate nanoparticles or molibdene oxide nanowires, having different electric and conductive properties.