Abstract
We studied the monolayer nano-phase separation structure of a novel azobenzene-containing ABA triblock copolymer. The target polymers with narrow polydispersity were synthesized from polyethylene glycol and azobenzene methacrylate via ATRP method. Monolayer behaviors of the polymer on water were investigated by surface pressure-dimenssion isotherms at various temperatures. The monolayer was transferred onto a mica substrate. Surface morphologies of the transferred monolayer were evaluated by AFM. The morphology in the azobenzene trans form was significantly different form that in the cis form. We also observed the morphological change of the monolayer on mica induced by photoisomerization of azobenzene under high humidity.
