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High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal

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Nonaqueous photorheological fluids based on light-responsive reverse wormlike micelles.

Rakesh Kumar¹, Aimee M Ketner, Srinivasa R Raghavan

¹Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742-2111, USA.

Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids

|December 25, 2009

Summary

Researchers developed novel nonaqueous photorheological (PR) fluids using readily available lecithin and para-coumaric acid (PCA). UV light dramatically reduces fluid viscosity by altering PCA

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Physical Chemistry
Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Background:

Photorheological (PR) fluids offer tunable flow properties for microscale applications.
Existing PR fluids often rely on complex, synthesized molecules.
Developing PR fluids from accessible components is desirable.

Purpose of the Study:

To create inexpensive, nonaqueous photorheological fluids using commercially available chemicals.
To investigate the light-induced changes in viscosity and micellar structure.
To demonstrate the versatility of the system in various organic solvents.

Main Methods:

Formulation of nonaqueous fluids using lecithin and trans-para-coumaric acid (PCA) in organic solvents.
Characterization of fluid viscoelasticity and micellar structures.
UV irradiation to induce photoisomerization of trans-PCA to cis-PCA and observe rheological changes.

Main Results:

Lecithin and trans-PCA form entangled reverse wormlike micelles, creating viscoelastic fluids.
UV irradiation of trans-PCA to cis-PCA significantly reduces micellar chain length and fluid polarity.
Viscosity decreased by over 1000-fold upon UV exposure.
Photoresponsive reverse micelles were successfully formed in cyclohexane, n-alkanes, alkenes, and fatty acid esters.

Conclusions:

A simple, cost-effective class of nonaqueous photorheological fluids was developed.
The system demonstrates significant, reversible viscosity changes triggered by UV light.
This approach offers a promising route for light-controlled fluidic devices using accessible materials.