Experimental and theoretical development of self-assembling photochromic materials

摘要

In this study, we synthesized grafted polymers comprising a mesogenic aromatic polyester and side photochromic spiropyran fragments. Through π-π interaction between the aromatic rings in the polyesters, the extended polyester main chains form a layered structure. The space released between the layers preserves the photochromism of the spiropyrans. Through the structure changes in the spiropyrans under ultraviolet exposure, photochromic molecules can control the molecular arrangement of liquid crystal polyester.