Temperature-modulated photomechanical actuation of photoactive liquid crystal elastomers

Photoactive liquid crystal elastomers are polymer networks of mesogens embedded with chromophores like azobenzene. They undergo large deformation when illuminated by light a certain wavelength through photochemical reaction, inspiring exciting new applications. However, despite the recent progresses in both experiment and theory these materials, fundamental understanding temperature effect on their photomechanical actuation various molecular-to-mesoscale processes have remained largely unexplored. This paper constructs theoretical model to investigate this temperature-modulated actuation, integrating different temperature-dependent into continuum framework. The studies special working condition where material is subjected uniaxial tensile load, prescribed temperature, polarized illumination. We explore free energy landscape system stress–stretch responses under conditions. exploit coupling between individual controls single for several scenarios, including snap-through instability, specific work, blocking stress. study backward isomerization actuation. These results hoped motivate future applications systems.