Novel network structures were applied to crosslinked liquid-crystalline polymers (CLCPs) with photomechanical effects to enhance their performance and function. CLCPs with rearrangeable networks could be reshaped into 3D architectures, in contrast with conventional crosslinked polymers memorizing permanent shapes. The reshaped samples showed various photoinduced motions depending on their initial shapes. Furthermore, interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were developed to improve mechanical and photoresponsive properties of CLCPs. These strategies of controlling the network structures of CLCPs could enable the versatile design of photomobile polymer materials as soft actuators.
