RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Three-dimensional printing of functionally graded liquid crystal elastomer JF Science Advances JO Sci Adv FD American Association for the Advancement of Science SP eabc0034 DO 10.1126/sciadv.abc0034 VO 6 IS 39 A1 Wang, Zijun A1 Wang, Zhijian A1 Zheng, Yue A1 He, Qiguang A1 Wang, Yang A1 Cai, Shengqiang YR 2020 UL http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/39/eabc0034.abstract AB As a promising actuating material, liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) has been intensively explored in building diverse active structures and devices. Recently, direct ink writing technique has been developed to print LCE structures with various geometries and actuation behaviors. Despite the advancement in printing LCE, it remains challenging to print three-dimensional (3D) LCE structures with graded properties. Here, we report a facile method to tailor both the actuation behavior and mechanical properties of printed LCE filaments by varying printing parameters. On the basis of the comprehensive processing-structure-property relationship, we propose a simple strategy to print functionally graded LCEs, which greatly increases the design space for creating active morphing structures. We further demonstrate mitigation of stress concentration near the interface between an actuatable LCE tube and a rigid glass plate through gradient printing. The strategy developed here will facilitate potential applications of LCEs in different fields.