Photo-induced Actuator using Temperature and Light Dual Responsive Azobenzene Containing Ion Gel in Ionic Liquid

• A series of well-defined random copolymers comprising butyl acrylate (BA) and 4-phenylazophenylmethacrylate (AzoMA) (P(AzoMA-r-BA)) are prepared successfully by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. P(AzoMA-r-BA)s show LCST-type phase transition in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfone)amide ([C4mim][NTf2]). LCST depends on the photoisomerization state of azobenzene, as well as on the AzoMA composition in the random copolymers. LCST of (P(cis-AzoMA-r-BA) is significantly higher than that of P(trans-AzoMA-r-BA), because cis-AzoMA and trans-AzoMA behave as solvato-philic and solvato-phobic comonomer, respectively. At a bistable temperature, photo-induced phase separation is completely reversible. Secondly, based on this phenomenon, a thermo- / photo- responsive ion gel (BA-AzoMA ion gel) can be prepared by free radical polymerization of BA and AzoMA using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker in [C4mim][NTf2]. BA-AzoMA ion gel shows high temperature contraction and low temperature expansion behavior, due to LCST-type phase behavior of polymer system consisting of AzoMA and BA. Contraction temperature of BA-AzoMA ion gel depends on photoisomerization state of the azobenzene group in polymers. At a bistable temperature, photo-induced expansion-contraction is reversible. Finally, a Photo-induced actuator can be realized using BA-AzoMA ion gel at suitable temperatures, featuring reversible bending by alternate irradiating with visible and UV light. The bending behavior is also demonstrated.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Tribologi (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Tribology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

ionic liquid

ion gel

actuator

azobenzene

LCST

Machine Elements

Maskinelement

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)