Photoinduced Topographical Feature Development in Blueprinted Azobenzene‐Functionalized Liquid Crystalline Elastomers

Abstract

All‐optical deformation and recovery of complex topographical features is demonstrated within elastic sheets composed of main‐chain type azobenzene‐functionalized liquid crystalline elastomers (azo‐LCEs). The azo‐LCEs are synthesized via an orthogonal, two‐step reaction between commercially available LC monomers and n ‐butylamine. By employing surface alignment, the local orientation of the nematic director is spatially complex (“blueprinted”). Exposing the blueprinted LCE films to light as an actinic stimulus generates a photomechanical response which yields reversible shape changes between 2D and 3D shapes. The deformation of azo‐LCEs strongly depends on the azobenzene concentration as well as the network structure (i.e., crosslink density). Blueprinting complex director profiles within azo‐LCEs yield reconfigurable elastic sheets that can be addressed both remotely and selectively which may have benefit in a variety of applications in aerospace, medicine, and optics.