Stimuli-Responsive Materials Based on Interpenetrating Polymer Liquid Crystal Hydrogels

Stimuli-responsive materials based on interpenetrating liquid crystal-hydrogel polymer networks are fabricated. These materials consist of a cholesteric liquid crystalline network that reflects color and an interwoven poly(acrylic acid) network that provides a humidity and pH response. The volume change in the cross-linked hydrogel polymer results in a dimensional alteration in the cholesteric network as well, which, in turn, leads to a color change yielding a dual-responsive photonic material. Furthermore a patterned coating having responsive and static interpenetrating polymer network areas is produced that changes both its surface topography and color.