Remolding of Photoresponsive Polymer Materials by Means of Dynamic Covalent Bonds In a Main Chain

We prepared crosslinked azobenzene main-chain liquid-crystalline polymers (MCLCPs), in which the exchange of crosslinks can be brought about by transesterification reactions. The exchangeable crosslinks enable reshaping and self-healing of the MCLCPs upon heating. Furthermore, the stress generated by stretching the MCLCP film is completely relaxed at 180 °C through rearrangement of networks. The film after hot-drawing shows reversible bending behavior upon irradiation with UV and visible light.