Bio‐Inspired Core–Shell Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fiber With Integrated Perception, Actuation, and Survival Intelligence via All‐Solid‐State Strategy
Abstract
ABSTRACT Seamlessly integrating actuation and proprioception is vital for intelligent soft robots. However, conventional heterogeneous composites often suffer from leakage risks and interfacial failure, making structural robustness and reusability under damage a critical challenge. Herein, we report an all‐solid‐state self‐healable core–shell fiber, termed ICE‐BLCE fiber, by coaxially integrating a liquid‐free ionic conductive elastomer (ICE) core with a dynamic boronic ester‐based liquid crystal elastomer (BLCE) shell. The ICE core serves as a soft temperature‐sensitive ionic pathway, while the BLCE shell provides reversible thermal/photothermal actuation, mechanical protection, and electrical insulation. The fiber exhibits fast reversible contraction, a high work density of 115.3 kJ m − 3 calculated on a whole‐fiber basis, and sensitive thermal response with a temperature coefficient of resistance of −23.4% °C − 1 . The dual dynamic networks further enable recovery of mechanical and electrical functions after damage. The fiber can be woven into thermal sensing arrays and used to drive bio‐inspired model motions. Under thermal hazards, it provides electrical thermal warning with actuation‐assisted withdrawal, offering a robust strategy for durable integrated sensing–actuation soft actuators.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Dielectric materials and actuators
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Advanced Functional Materials
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 36
- Issue
- 53
- Publication date
- 6 June 2026
- Language
- EN