Photomobile materials with interpenetrating polymer networks composed of liquid-crystalline and amorphous polymers

Abstract

We developed interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) composed of a crosslinked azobenzene liquid-crystalline polymer (PAzo) and poly(alkyl methacrylate)s (PAMAs). When irradiated with UV and visible light, the IPN films showed reversible bending. The photoresponsive and mechanical properties of PAzo films were significantly enhanced by incorporation of the PAMA components.