We have prepared polynorbornene and polydimethylsilane samples which contain photochromic ruthenium sulfoxide complexes. Upon irradiation these polymer samples undergo reversible and repeatable shape change. For polynorbornene, this shape change is macroscopic and results in dramatic bending induced by light. We will discuss a bilayer cantilever model to explain these results. For polydimethylsilane, the polar ruthenium complexes aggregate forming coronae within the apolar silane polymer. Upon irradiation this shape change results in significant topological changes with coronae rising on the order of 30 nm. In the dark, these topological features reverse. These cycles are reversible and repeatable for many cycles. These studies and others will be discussed and a model to explain these results will be presented.

Photomechanical effects in polymers containing photochromic compounds

247th National Meeting (2014)

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