Smart Polymers: VI. Application of Photochromic Polymers in Stimuli-Responsive Systems

Reversible photochromic polymers are amongst the stimuli-responsive systems and have particular optical properties, which change reversibly between two isomers by "on" and "off" induction of stimuli such as UV/Vis irradiation. Reversible changes in physical and chemical properties and electronic structure (absorption and emission spectra) of these polymers can be observed by their fast response to irradiation. Moreover, other changes in properties of the polymer matrix are not expected during this phenomenon.To achieve light-sensitive polymers, the photochromic materials can be introduced in the polymer matrix through copolymerization or doping process. Chemical bonding between the polymer matrix and photochromic dye can lead to higher optical properties, life-time, photostability and chemical resistance of photochromic compound. Recently, stimuli-responsive polymers have received much attention because of their exceptional smart behavior and potential applications such as dual-color polymeric nanoparticles, reversible optical data storage, security documents and anti-counterfeiting, chemical sensors and ophthalmic lens.