Abstract
Azobenzene-containing polyimides (azo-PIs) have exceptional potential for photo-alignment of liquid-crystal (LC) molecules. In this study, the synthesis of PIs with azo-side chains (azo-PIs) via thermal imidization of azo-containing poly(amic acid) (PAA) precursors was investigated. The results indicated that the increasing azo-containing diamine promoted the imidization progress, leading to a relatively lower imidization temperature for the fabricating of azo-PI films. These azo-PIs films were investigated for application as photo-induced anisotropy films in liquid-crystal devices (LCDs). It was found that the pretilt angle of the photo-aligning azo-PI film was tunable by changing the mole ratio of azo-amine monomers. These azo-PI films exhibited good thermal stability, outstanding mechanical property and excellent performance in controlling the LC molecule alignment.
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