Azobenzene polymers applications

This chapter discusses photochromic azobenzene polymers and photochromic molecules capable of undergoing photodimerization as materials for potential use in optical data storage applications. A brief introduction to photochromism, including recent examples of some photochromic systems, other than azobenzenes, based on variety of applications is presented at the outset. Thereafter, we shall focus on azobenzene photoaddressable polymers (PAPs) and [4 + 4]-photocycloaddition as materials for ultrahigh capacity optical data storage. 

We shall now embark on the main focus of this chapter photochromic azobenzene polymers and photochromic materials capable of undergoing photodimerization for potential use in optical data storage applications. Herein, the photochromic polymers described are those in which the photochromic molecule is covalently linked, either as part of the main chain or as a side-chain, to the polymeric system. 

PHOTOINDUCED IMMOBILIZATION OF MOLECULES ON THE SURFACE OF AZOBENZENE POLYMERS PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATION... 

In addition to electric potential, light can also be used to trigger switching properties of surfaces and polymers. Application of ultraviolet (UV) light to these materials may result in reversible changes in characteristics such as hydrophilic-ity/hydrophobicity, structural arrangement, and shape. Commonly utilized photoresponsive materials include azobenzene molecules, spiropyran molecules, and shape-memory polymers. 

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