Title: Light-Controlled Quick Switch of Adhesion on a Micro-Arrayed Liquid Crystal Polymer Superhydrophobic Film

Author: Chao Li, Futao Cheng, Jiu-an Lv, Yong Zhao, Mingjie Liu, Lei Jiang, Yanlei Yu*

Journal: Soft Matter, 2012, 8, 3730-3733

Abstract:

A micro-arrayed liquid crystal polymer film, cross-linked in the nematic phase, was successfully prepared from an optimized azobenzene precursor and polydimethylsiloxane-soft-template-based secondary replication. Regulated by alternating irradiation of UV-visible light (365 nm/530 nm), the micro-arrayed film showed an ideal quick (<1 min) and reversible switch of superhydrophobic adhesion.

Fulltext Link: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2012/sm/c2sm07471k

A micro-arrayed azobenzene LCP film cross-linked in nematic phase was successfully prepared from an optimized azobenzene precursor and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-soft-template-based secondary replication. Regulated by alternate irradiation of UV–visible light, a light controlled quick and reversible switch of superhydrophobic adhesion was successfully realized based on the cooperative photoisomerization of the azobenzene mesogens aligned parallel in the surface region of the microposts. Light-regulated interfacial systems have little influence on microfluidic environment, achieve non-contact and localized control, enhance the stimuli-responsive speed and stability. This work will shed light on and promote the design and practical application of smart interfaces with superhydrophobic adhesion switches.