Topography from topology: Photoinduced surface features generated in liquid crystal polymer networks

Michael E. McConney, Angel Martinez, Vincent P. Tondiglia, Kyung Min Lee, Derrick Langley, Ivan I. Smalyukh, Timothy J. White

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

199 Scopus citations

Abstract

Films subsumed with topological defects are transformed into complex, topographical surface features with light irradiation of azobenzene- functionalized liquid crystal polymer networks (azo-LCNs). Using a specially designed optical setup and photoalignment materials, azo-LCN films containing either singular or multiple defects with strengths ranging from to as much as |10| are examined. The local order of an azo-LCN material for a given defect strength dictates a complex, mechanical response observed as topographical surface features.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5880-5885
Number of pages6
JournalAdvanced Materials
Volume25
Issue number41
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 6 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • azobenzene
  • liquid crystalline polymer
  • liquid crystals
  • stimuli responsive materials

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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