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 bis(azobenzene)-containing copolyimide comprising a bis(azobenzene)-diamino monomer, a dianhydride, and a non- bis(azobenzene) diamine, the 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 copolyimide defined by a general chemical formula (III):
wherein n is a degree of polymerization; wherein x is in a range from about 0.01 to about 0.99 mol %;
wherein
is selected from the group consisting of
wherein —L— is selected from the group consisting of
and
wherein
is selected from the group consisting of
3. The bis(azobenzene)-containing copolyimide of claim 2 , wherein L is —O—.
4. The bis(azobenzene)-containing copolyimide of claim 2 , wherein L is —S—.
5. The bis(azobenzene)-containing copolyimide of claim 2 , wherein L is
6. The bis(azobenzene)-containing copolyimide of claim 2 , wherein L is
7. The bis(azobenzene)-containing copolyimide of claim 2 , wherein L is