INS4-0059
Programming Optical Information and Dynamic Functions in Azopolymers through Photoalignment and Photo-Fluidization
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
16:15 - 16:40
Room 106
Session Chairs
Ji-Won KIM
Presenter(s)
Jiun Tai Chen (National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Azopolymers provide a versatile platform for converting light inputs into programmable changes in molecular alignment, mesoscale structure, and macroscopic function. In this talk, I will present two complementary azopolymer systems developed in our group for optical information engineering and dynamic material reconfiguration. In the first system, linearly polarized light is used to induce spatially defined molecular alignment in azopolymer films, generating anisotropic birefringent domains that can encode hidden patterns and polarization-dependent optical responses. This strategy enables dual-encrypted anti-counterfeiting and Moiré animation-based decryption, while also allowing direction-encoded vectorial logic through the coupling of photoalignment and mechanical deformation. In the second system, we exploit photo-fluidization and photo-induced solid-to-liquid transitions in azopolymer-based materials to realize reconfigurable nano/microstructures, erasable and rewritable nanoarrays, and photo-healable fibrous materials, including stretchable fibers prepared from upcycled TPEE/azopolymer blends. Together, these studies show how azopolymer chemistry can bridge molecular motion, structural anisotropy, and functional output across multiple length scales. This integrated framework not only expands the fundamental design principles of light-responsive polymer systems, but also opens opportunities for advanced anti-counterfeiting, optical information processing, healable materials, and sustainable smart polymer applications.
