Deformation of cross-linked liquid crystal polymers by light – from ultraviolet to visible and infrared

ABSTRACT

Collecting and amplifying the nanoscopic molecular motions into macroscopic deformation is the unique property of cross-linked liquid crystal polymers (CLCPs). These materials can directly transfer input light energy into mechanical work when combined with photochromophores, thus fascinating many scientists. This article reviews the macroscopic and microscopic deformation of photoresponsive azobenzene-containing CLCPs and analyses the influence of mesogen alignment and chemical structure on shape change behaviour. We highlight some new methods to trigger the deformation by visible and infrared light instead of ultraviolet one, such as chemical modification of azobenzene and addition of upconversion materials.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Cross-linked liquid crystal polymers
• photoresponsive
• deformation
• visible and infrared
• actuator

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant Number 51225304, 21134003 and 21273048] and by the Shanghai Outstanding Academic Leaders Plan [Grant Number 15XD1500600].