Multiscale modeling and its validation of the trans-cis-trans reorientation-based photodeformation in azobenzene-doped liquid crystal polymer

Abstract

We propose a new model for predicting the trans-cis-trans reorientation (TCTR)-based photodeformation of the azobenzene-doped liquid-crystal polymer (azo-LCP). The model was validated through the results of a bi-directional photobending experiment performed at various temperatures and mole ratios of the azobenzene monomer within the azo-LCP. Through both numerical and experimental investigations, we found that the photobending curvature of the azo-LCP shows a maximum point at certain temperatures, but only shows a proportional relationship with the azobenzene mole ratio within the azo-LCP. We confirmed that this tendency is caused by the change in the polymeric constraint with the temperature and the low light propagation in azo-LCP.