Photoresponsive Polymers

Abstract

Photoresponsive polymers respond to light irradiation via a change in chemical structure or physical properties and are very important because of the remote control possibilities. Photopolymerization and photo-cross-linking, along with their effect on properties and their commercial importance, are discussed in this chapter. Stimuli-responsive polymers, attracting interest from researchers and industries, are detailed. A significant portion of the chapter is devoted to photoresponsive polymers, as well as photoresponsive liquid crystalline polymers, because they are of great interest to both scientists and industry. Polymer brushes, photorefractive polymers, photocleavable polymers, interpenetrating polymer networks, etc. are introduced, highlighting their photoreversibility and biocompatibility. The incorporation of photoresponsive microparticles and microcapsules into various polymers attributes smartness to the polymers. Because of its importance in the current science and technology arena, photoresponsiveness in the nano-dimension is also covered, in particular, nano-dot, nano-channels, and nanotemplating. Nanoporous liquid crystalline membranes and nanostructured photoresponsive fillers, because of their impact on the smart way of separating gas and their smart movement, are detailed. Various photoresponses, including photoionization, photothermal actuation, etc., are included because of their unique nature. Types of photoirradiation and their nature are also discussed. The chapter pays particular attention to photo modulation in biological systems and dual light-responsive polymer actuators. Other topics, such as the switching of Tg, the refractive index, viscosity, etc. with light, light-powered molecular devices, and wave-making in photopolymer film, are covered, along with the methods of alignment of LC polymers. To conclude, a number of applications of photoresponsive polymers are revealed.