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Light-responsive polyurethanes: classification of light-responsive moieties, light-responsive reactions, and their
Ki Yan Lam1, Choy Sin Lee2, Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika2,3
1School of Postgraduate, International Medical University No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil 57000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia choysin_lee@imu.edu.my.
RSC Advances
|June 13, 2022
Summary
This review explores light-responsive polyurethane (PU) smart materials. Researchers are enhancing PU polymers with light-sensitive groups for diverse applications by controlling their properties with light.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Smart Materials
Background:
- Smart materials can alter properties in response to environmental stimuli.
- Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile polymer with broad industrial applications.
- Light-responsive PU offers tunable physical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review light-sensitive moieties for creating light-responsive PU.
- To discuss synthesis methods and response mechanisms of these smart PU materials.
- To analyze the advantages, limitations, and challenges in developing light-responsive PU.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on light-responsive PU.
- Categorization of light-sensitive moieties (e.g., azobenzene, spiropyran, coumarin, o-nitrobenzyl).
- Analysis of reversible and irreversible light-induced reactions in PU systems.
Main Results:
- Incorporating moieties like azobenzene, spiropyran, coumarin, and o-nitrobenzyl enables light responsiveness in PU.
- Different moieties induce reversible or irreversible changes in PU properties upon light exposure.
- Dual- or multi-responsive PU systems can be developed for complex applications.
Conclusions:
- Light-responsive PU presents significant potential across various industries due to its tunable properties.
- Further research is needed to overcome limitations and address challenges in developing advanced light-responsive PU materials.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview for future development in light-responsive polymer systems.
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