Figure 2.

(a) The synthesis of the first xLCE, showing the difunctional epoxy mesogen and the spacer used at a 1:1 ratio; triazabicyclodecene (TBD) was used as catalyst at 180 °C. (b) The scheme of transesterification equilibrium, which keeps an equilibrium balance between reconnecting chains, 3-functional cross-links, and dangling ends. (c) Thermal actuation curves of aligned xLCEs at different prestress. The inset shows an example of complex shape molded from this material. Adapted with permission from ref (86). Copyright 2014 Springer Nature.