Loosely crosslinked liquid crystal elastomers of high compliance with prolonged creep lifetime

Abstract Polymeric elastomers subjected to a constant load exhibit time-dependent deformation known as creep. At low loads, the deformation gradually approaches an equilibrium state, whereas at higher loads, rupture occurs after a finite time, a phenomenon known as delayed fracture or static fatigue. The time to rupture decreases with increasing load and, for most elastomers, also diminishes with increasing compliance. However, many engineering applications—such as pressure-sensitive adhesives and sealing elastomers—require materials that simultaneously exhibit high compliance and long creep lifetimes, a combination that remains difficult to achieve. Here, we report that loosely crosslinked liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) exhibit an unusual combination of high compliance and exceptional creep lifetime. The LCEs outperform a wide range of benchmark elastomers despite their high creep compliance.