In situ formation of photoalignable N-benzylideneaniline side groups and control of photoinduced reorientation in polymethacrylate with 4-oxybenzaldehyde side groups and 4-methoxyanilline composite films

Photoinduced Exfoliation of a Polymeric N‐Benzylideneaniline Liquid‐Crystalline Composite Based on a Photoisomerization‐Triggered Phase Transition

“…We have previously investigated the photoresponsiveness of N ‐benzylideneaniline (NBA) in LC polymers. [ 25–28 ] NBA changes from a trans‐ to a cis ‐configuration on UV exposure, and this photoisomerization behavior is similar to that of azobenzene, resulting in an isothermal change in the molecular order of the LCs; rod‐shaped trans ‐azobenzene stabilizes the liquid‐crystal state through structural miscibility, whereas the bent cis ‐azobenzene molecule acts as an impurity. [ 29,30 ]…”

Photoinduced Reorientation and Surface Relief Formation in Diblock and Random Copolymers with Benzoic Acid and Alkyloxy Side Groups

“…Similar to azobenzene derivatives, N -benzylideneaniline derivatives show trans–cis photoisomerization. − Our research has focused on the photoinduced molecular reorientation of polymethacrylates with N -benzylideneaniline derivative side groups, which show reorientation perpendicular to the polarization of LP ultraviolet (LPUV) light due to the axis-selective trans–cis–trans photoisomerization. − Thermal stimulation of the photoinduced molecular reorientation and the SR structure formation by means of holographic exposure have been observed. − We also developed a composite material of a photoinactive LC polymethacrylate with a benzoic acid (BA) side group (P6BAM) doped with N -benzylideneaniline carboxylic acid (NBA) derivatives . A significant thermally stimulated molecular reorientation is achieved due to the axis-selective photoreaction of H-bonded NBA with the BA side groups, where the photodurability of the resultant oriented films is provided due to the simultaneous sublimation of the doped NBA derivatives upon thermal self-organization of the BA side groups .…”