| Abstract: | A series of monomeric azobenzene derivatives of 6‐(4‐nitro‐4′‐oxy‐azobenzene acrylate with carbon numbers of 6 and 11, and the chiral monomer of bornyl 4‐(6‐acryloyloxyhexyloxy)‐phenyl‐4′‐benzoate were synthesized. Chiral polymers having bornyl group end‐capped pendants with azobenzene‐derived segments were prepared. Molecular structures and polymer compositions were confirmed by using 1H‐NMR, elemental analysis, FTIR, and UV–vis analyzers. Thermodynamic properties of both monomers and polymers were investigated. Specific rotations of chiral monomers and polymers were estimated by using an automatic digital polarimeter. Liquid crystalline textures of monomers and polymers were analyzed by using a polarizing optical microscope and confirmed by a small‐angle X‐ray analyzer. The optical reflection characteristics of composite cells with chiral nematic liquid crystal and various amounts of azobenzene derivatives were evaluated by using a UV–vis spectrophotometer. The reliability and stability of the composite cells with E48/S811 and azobenzene derivatives were studied. The photoisomerization of the chiral polymer film was investigated by using SEM and AFM analyzers. It was found that the UV irradiation of a laser spot caused the shrinkage of polymer film due to the photoisomerization of azobenzene segments. The contraction of the polymer film can be recovered by heat treatment. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3693–3704, 2004 |
