Researchers link molecular changes to microparticle deformation in new study
Tomomichi Itoh and colleagues at Ehime University published a study in the journal Macromolecules on how light-induced molecular shifts cause visible shape changes in polymer particles.
Light triggers structural shifts inside polymers
The team incorporated azobenzene units directly into the main chain of a specific polymer. This molecule reversibly changes its shape when exposed to ultraviolet and visible light. The researchers found that these tiny molecular events amplify into larger deformations.
Hierarchical process connects scales
The study reveals a clear pathway linking molecular-scale photoisomerization to particle-scale deformation. These particles range from several to tens of micrometers in size. The findings help explain processes previously unclear inside microscopic materials.
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