2012 Volume 69 Issue 8 Pages 449-459
Photochromic materials show changes in various properties with isomerization of compounds. The molecular-level photoisomerization can also give rise to macroscopic deformation of the material system, allowing one to convert light energy directly into mechanical work (photomechanical materials). The photomechanical effects extend the applicability of photochromic polymers towards photodriven actuators and artificial muscles. Large deformations can be generated in the crosslinked liquid-crystalline polymers with the aid of photochemical reactions of the chromophores. Mechanical strength of the crosslinked liquid-crystalline polymer films increased by lamination of polymer sheet, leading to three-dimensional and complex movement of the laminated films by light. This review article summarizes research results on the photomechanical effect based on photochoromism of polymers, fibers and single crystals.
