In this work, we developed and characterized composites prepared by dispersing conductive carbon black (CB) at different concentrations in an azobenzene-based photomobile polymer (azo-PMP) matrix. This polymer can move under UV-blue light because its azobenzene moieties undergo a reversible photoisomerization from trans to cis configuration and this nanoscopic structural movement induces a macroscopic movement in the film. We studied the possibility to modify the photomobile properties of azo-PMP by introducing different concentrations of CB (from 0wt.% up to 1wt.%) and we investigated morphology, optical properties and photomobile behaviour at different wavelengths. Optical analysis by polarized light shows that the films with CB concentrations up to 0.1wt.% are quite homogeneous and still present birefringence properties. Photoresponsivity measurements at wavelengths in the range 457-747nm were studied to investigate how the presence of the CB affects the photomobile response inside and outside the absorption spectral region of azo-polymers. Choosing appropriately the CB concentration, we demonstrated that it is possible to enlarge the usable spectral bandwidth of the samples in visible region towards the visible and near infrared spectral region.
Films based on a composite of a liquid crystal polymer (LC-POL) with acrylic backbone and carbon black (CB) were manufactured and characterized to develop a new smart material able to move under light. In detail, the effect of 0.1wt% of CB, a high absorption and thermal conductive filler, on morphological, optical and photomobile properties was investigated and compared with pristine LC-POL films. To study photomobile behaviuor the films were irradiated with 457nm-laser at different powers and the responses to these stimuli were compared in terms of bending angle and response time. The work shows that the presence of CB induces photomobile properties in an inactive LC polymer matrix and the mechanical response under light is fast and reversible.
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