Unwinding a spiral of cellulose nanocrystals for stimuli-responsive stretchable optics

Osamu Kose, Andy Tran, Lev Lewis, Wadood Y. Hamad and Mark J. MacLachlan ()
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Osamu Kose: University of British Columbia
Andy Tran: University of British Columbia
Lev Lewis: University of British Columbia
Wadood Y. Hamad: FPInnovations
Mark J. MacLachlan: University of British Columbia

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from biomass spontaneously organize into a helical arrangement, termed a chiral nematic structure. This structure mimics the organization of chitin found in the exoskeletons of arthropods, where it contributes to their remarkable mechanical strength. Here, we demonstrate a photonic sensory mechanism based on the reversible unwinding of chiral nematic CNCs embedded in an elastomer, leading the materials to display stimuli-responsive stretchable optics. Vivid interference colors appear as the film is stretched and disappear when the elastomer returns to its original shape. This reversible optical effect is caused by a mechanically-induced transition of the CNCs between a chiral nematic and pseudo-nematic arrangement.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08351-6

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