Polymeric actuating materials controlling motion by molecular motors has drawn growing interests in fields of future actuators and biomimetic muscles. Light-driven crystal polymers is particularly interesting for many applications because of the capability of contact-free remote manipulation. Azobenzene is one kind of photo-switchable liquid crystal molecules due to the trans-to-cis photo-isomerization stimulate by ultra-violet (UV) light. Here, we present the design and synthesis of photo-responsive polyurethane which allow the conversion of light energy into reversible motion. By exploiting the dynamic azobenzene embedded in polyurethane, mechanical motion in soft polymeric materials are achieved.

Photo-responsive motion in liquid crystal polyurethane

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ACS Fall 2022

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