Stimuli-responsive materials based on interpenetrating polymer liquid crystal hydrogels

Stimuli-responsive materials based on interpenetrating liquid crystal-hydrogel polymer networks are fabricated. These materials consist of a cholesteric liquid crystalline network that reflects color and an interwoven poly(acrylic acid) network that provides a humidity and pH response. The volume change in the cross-linked hydrogel polymer results in a dimensional alteration in the cholesteric network as well, which, in turn, leads to a color change yielding a dual-responsive photonic material. Furthermore a patterned coating having responsive and static interpenetrating polymer network areas is produced that changes both its surface topography and color. Interpenetrating polymer networks which consist of cholesteric liquid crystals and hydrogels are prepared. These stimuli-responsive materials change color depending on the relative humidity or pH. In addition, patterned dual-responsive polymer films are created changing both topography and color.