Bis(azobenzene) diamines and photomechanical polymers made therefrom
Bis(azo-benzene) diamine monomers and a method of synthesizing the monomers are provided. The bis(azo-benzene) diamine monomers, in combination with amine reactive monomers, form polymers, such as polyimides and copolyimides, having photomechanical and thermomechanical properties.
1. A polymer comprising a bis(azobenzene)-diamino monomer defined by a general chemical formula (I):
wherein L′ is selected from the group consisting of
2. A bis(azobenzene)-containing polyamic acid, comprising a reaction product of a bis(azobenzene)-diamino monomer and a dianhydride, the bis(azobenzene)-diamino monomer defined by a general chemical formula (I):
wherein L′ is selected from the group consisting of
3. A bis(azobenzene)-containing polyimide defined by a general chemical formula (II):
wherein n is a degree of polymerization;
wherein
is selected from the group consisting of
and
wherein -L- is selected from the group consisting of
4. The bis(azobenzene)-containing polyimide of claim 3 , wherein L is —O—.
5. The bis(azobenzene)-containing polyimide of claim 3 , wherein L is —S—.
6. The bis(azobenzene)-containing polyimide of claim 3 , wherein L is
7. The bis(azobenzene)-containing polyimide of claim 3 , wherein L is
8. The bis(azobenzene)-containing polyimide of claim 3 , wherein L is