A facile approach for the preparation of liquid crystalline polyurethane for light-responsive actuator films with self-healing performance

In this study, liquid crystalline polyurethane was prepared by quaternization between ordinary polyurethane and mesogenic monomers. Meanwhile, a fast light-responsive actuator film with self-healing performance based on liquid crystalline polyurethane was successfully fabricated. In the film, the mesogenic units of the nematic compound were grafted on the polyurethane main chain, leading to liquid crystal phase of the polymer. The photoresponsive units of the liquid crystalline azobenzene were utilized as photosensitive components, and polyurethane was employed as the polymer matrix to endow the material with good film-forming and mechanical properties. The as-obtained actuator film not only showed a quick response and large shape deformation upon UV-irradiation but also exhibited temperature-induced self-healing performance. Moreover, the as-prepared light-responsive actuator film exhibited excellent properties coupled with easy fabrication, low cost, and good film-forming and relevant mechanical properties, showing promise for future practical applications in photo-driven and optomechanical devices.