Photomechanical response of composite structures built from azobenzene liquid crystal polymer networks

Abstract

Optically directed shape adaptive responses have been sought after for many decades in photoresponsive polymeric materials. A number of recent examinations have elucidated elucidated the unique opportunities of photomechanical responses realized in azobenzene-functionalized liquid crystalline polymer networks (both elastomers and glasses). This work summarizes and contrasts the photomechanical response of glassy polydomain, monodomain, and twisted nematic azo-LCN materials to blue-green irradiation. Building from this summary, the combinatorial photomechanical response observed upon irradiation of composite cantilevers is examined. Large scale shape adaptations are realized, with novel responses that may be of potential use in future employment of these materials in actuation. © 2011 by the authors.