CNR successfully prepared a Photo-Mobile Polymer (PMP) film self-vibrating while exposed to polarized light. The protocol of preparation can be observed in Fig.1 and in brief it involves the preparation of polymer coated glass slides that will be used as minireactors for the polymerization. The mix used (Figure 2A) is introduced in the cells by capillarity and the polymerization started with the use of UV light (390-400 nm).
Figure 1. Protocol for the synthesis of liquid crystal based PMPs
The films prepared are cheaper, higher performing and easily upgradable of previous formulations. Interestingly they are transparent (Figure 2B) and able to absorb UV and visible light (up to 500 nm). The activation of the self-vibration (Figure 3) can be achieved even using a polarized laser having a wavelength of 457 nm. This formulation will be used for the design and production of novel piezo-devices.
Figure 2. A) liquid crystal formulation for the production of PMP.B) Freshly polymerized azobenzene based PMP
Figure 3 Self-vibrating PMP during continuous irradiation with polarized light
