Abstract
The self-assembly behavior of azobenzene-based triblock copolymers poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polystyrene-block-poly[6-(4-methoxy-4′-oxy-azobenzene) hexyl methacrylate] (PEO-b-PS-b-PMMAZO) and their mixtures with PS or PMMAZO homopolymers was studied by means of transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, laser light scattering and UV–vis spectrophotometry. It was found that pure block copolymers self-assembled into spherical micelles with core–shell structures. The addition of PS or PMMAZO homopolymers can not only increase the aggregate size but also have a significant influence on the photo-isomerization behavior and photo-deformation behavior of the aggregate. The photo-isomerization study revealed that a complete trans–cis or cis–trans isomerization of azobenzene chromophores can be acquired when irradiated with UV or visible light for polymers both in organic solutions and in micelles. The photo-isomerization rate of azobenzene chromophores increases when PS homopolymers were incorporated into micelles, while with the addition of PMMAZO homopolymers, it decreases. The photo-induced elongation of the aggregates by irradiation of a linearly polarized laser was observed for all the samples, and the deformation degree increases with the weight fraction of azobenzene groups in the parent copolymers, as well as the PMMAZO content for the mixture micelles.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
