Laminated
bilayer films comprised of photoresponsive azobenzene-containing liquid
crystalline polymer skin layers adhered on a thick elastomeric substrate
were prepared, and the wrinkle formation upon uniaxial compression
was investigated. Irradiation with UV light at 365 nm led to the disappearance
of the wrinkle or reduction of wrinkle wavelength, depending on the
content of azobenzene unit in the polymer. Such photoresponsive modulations
of wrinkle formation could be well correlated with the photoinduced
changes in the Young’s modulus determined by indentation–retraction
force curve measurements using an AFM cantilever. Additionally, the
thickness modulation of the skin layer caused by the photoinduced
mass migration can also be applied to modify the wrinkle wavelength.
These photoresponsive surface wrinkle modulations are anticipated
to offer new possibilities for the surface microfabrication technology.
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