3D printable light-responsive polymers

Abstract

New photo-curable polymers suitable for 3D printing are here provided, exhibiting a mechanical light-responsivity upon laser irradiation. Azobenzene moieties are employed both as a dye component in the 3DP and as active groups, providing photo-mechanical responsivity. The incorporation of azobenzene units into polymeric matrices allows a reversible and controllable change of the Young's modulus of 3D printed micrometric structures.