While polymer fabrics are integral to a wide range of
applications,
their vulnerability to mechanical damage limits their sustainability
and practicality. Addressing this challenge, our study introduces
a versatile strategy to develop photohealable fabrics, utilizing a
composite of polystyrene (PS) and an azobenzene-containing polymer
(PAzo). This combination leverages the structural stability of PS
to compensate for the mechanical weaknesses of PAzo, forming the fiber
structures. Key to our approach is the reversible trans-cis photoisomerization of azobenzene groups within
the PAzo under UV light exposure, enabling controlled morphological
alterations in the PS/PAzo blend fibers. The transition of PAzo sections
from a solid to a liquid state at a low glass transition temperature
(T
g ∼ 13.7 °C) is followed
by solidification under visible light, thus stabilizing the altered
fiber structures. In this study, we explore various PS/PAzo blend
ratios to optimize surface roughness and mechanical properties. Additionally,
we demonstrate the capability of these fibers for photoinduced self-healing.
When damaged fabrics are clamped and subjected to UV irradiation for
20 min and pressed for 24 h, the mobility of the cis-form PAzo sections facilitates healing while retaining the overall
fabric structure. This innovative approach not only addresses the
critical issue of durability in polymer fabrics but also offers a
sustainable and practical solution, paving the way for its application
in smart clothing and advanced fabric-based materials.