SynopsisPhotochromic polymers containing p-phenylazoacrylanilide were synthesized and the photoinduced hydrophobicity change on the surface of the polymer film was studied by measuring water wettability. The wettability increased with UV irradiation and returned to the original value with visible light irradiation. This photo-induced reversible change in wettability was considered to be caused by the large change of dipole moment across the azo bonds due to the isomerization of azo dye from trans to cis form. Furthermore, the photoresponsive polymeric adsorbent prepared from the azo polymer having adsorption behavior of a low molecular weight compound was studied. The binding ability of this polymeric adsorbent was decreased by UV irradiation. These results were attributed to the decreased hydrophobic interaction between the adsorbent and the adsorbate.
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