Design, Synthesis and Performance of Photo-Responsive Liquid Crystal Polymers with Stepwise Deformation Capability.

Abstract

Photo-responsive liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) have potential application value in flexible robots, artificial muscles, and microfluidic control. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of LCPs. However, the preparation of LCPs with continuous and controllable stepwise deformation capabilities remains a challenge. In this study, visible photo-responsive cyanostilbene monomer, UV photo-responsive azobenzene monomer and multiple hydrogen bond crosslinker were used to prepare photo-responsive LCPs capable of achieving continuously and controllable stepwise deformation. The comprehensive investigation of the multiple light response ability and photo-induced deformation properties of these copolymers were conducted. The results revealed that in the first-stage of photo-induced deformation under 470nm blue light irradiation, the deformation angle decreased with a reduction in cyanostilbene content in the copolymer component, ranging from 40° in AZ0-CS4 to 0° in AZ4-CS0. In the second-stage of photo-induced deformation under 365nm UV irradiation, the deformation angle increased with the increase of azobenzene content, ranging from 0° of AZ0-CS4 to 89.4° of AZ4-CS0. Importantly, the deformation between these two stages occurred as a continuous process, allowing for a direct transition from the first-stage to the second-stage deformation by switching the light source from 470nm to 365nm. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.