Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and alignment of novel azobenzene-containing monomers

A series of novel bifunctionalized photochromic monomers were synthesized, focusing on those with polymerizable acrylic/methacrylic groups attached to both ends of an azobenzene core via flexible spacers. The phase behaviour of the monomers was investigated using DSC, polarizing optical microscopy a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inLiquid crystals Vol. 32; no. 7; pp. 901 - 908
Main Authors Selo, Muhammed, Osterman, Jesper, Tunell, Helena, Skarp, Kent, Kozlovsky, Mikhail
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Taylor & Francis 01.07.2005
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Summary:A series of novel bifunctionalized photochromic monomers were synthesized, focusing on those with polymerizable acrylic/methacrylic groups attached to both ends of an azobenzene core via flexible spacers. The phase behaviour of the monomers was investigated using DSC, polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The change in UV-vis absorbance of the monomers under illumination with non-polarized/polarized UV light was studied for both solutions and thin films; also studied was its relaxation in the dark. On illumination with LPUV light, in-plane reorientation of the molecules normal to the polarization of the exciting UV light, and aggregation of the molecules in the films, were found.
ISSN:0267-8292
1366-5855
1366-5855
DOI:10.1080/02678290500139567