Photoresponsive Polymers

Temperature-responsive methacrylamide polyampholytes

“…[1][2][3][4] Termed stimuli-responsive or smart polymers, 5 the physical properties of these materials can be precisely controlled by modifying the external environment of the polymer. [6][7][8][9][10][11] For example, the solution structures of poly(Nisopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) [12][13][14] and poly(oligoethylene glycol)(meth)acrylate (POEG(M)A) 15,16 copolymer systems in water both respond to changes in temperature. Upon heating above certain temperatures the polymers transition from a hydrophilic to a hydrophobic state, as evidenced by their structural transition from a random coil to a globule state and accompanying phase separation.…”

Swelling–shrinking behavior of hydrated noncross‐linked copolymer films in response to photoreversible isomerizaton and metal complexation of spiropyran units of the copolymers

“…Polymeric materials play a crucial role in studies of photochemistry and are used in various applications that require photoresponsive materials in the form of films, fibers, beads, and so on. [1] Photoresponsive molecules have usually been incorporated into polymer matrices by binding them covalently to main chains or by dissolving or suspending them in polymer solids. However, the photochemical behaviors of organic photoresponsive molecules are influenced in various ways by the characteristics of the polymeric media.…”