Design, synthesis and characterisation of novel photoresponsive poly(methyl methacrylate)

Abstract

A new approach for preparing photoresponsive polymers was introduced, by which a series of photoresponsive poly(methyl methacrylate) (p-PMMA) samples with a lower azo content and a better film forming property were synthesised. A novel azobenzene functionalised monomer, 4,4′-bis-[acrylate-yl-6-alkoxy]azobenzene, was designed and synthesised, which served not only as photoresponsive units but also as a grafting agent for p-PMMAs to increase the glass transition temperature and film forming ability. The compositions, structure, morphology, thermal properties and photochromic behaviour of p-PMMAs were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, modulated differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, TEM and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Although this kind of material might not yet be readily available for industrialised manufacturing at present, it does, however, provide a new approach in exploring the novel photoresponsive materials, which generally possess a higher glass transition temperature, an adequate azo contents and a better film forming property.