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Light-Driven Continual Oscillatory Rocking of a Polymer Film

  • Marina Pilz da Cunha
  • , Akhil R. Peeketi
  • , Adithya Ramgopal
  • , Ratna K. Annabattula
  • , Albert P.H.J. Schenning (Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Achieving oscillatory motion in polymers without requiring on/off switching of stimuli is a current challenge. Hereby, a free-standing liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is demonstrated to undergo a sustained oscillatory motion when triggered by light, moving back and forth, resembling the motion of a rocking-chair. Two polymer films having different azobenzene photo-switches have been studied, revealing photoswitch requirements as well as illumination conditions necessary to sustain oscillations. The motion presented here shows how feedback loops involving light-triggered actuation, self-shadowing and a shifting center of gravity can be utilized to achieve self-sustained motion in free-standing polymers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1149-1152
Number of pages4
JournalChemistryOpen
Volume9
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2020

Funding

We would like to acknowledge the financial support from the Impuls II grant from the Eindhoven University of Technology. RKA acknowledges the financial support from Science and Engineering Research Board, India, through a core research grant: CRG/2018/002365.

Keywords

  • azo compounds
  • light-driven liquid crystal actuators
  • light-driven oscillation
  • polymers
  • sustained motion

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