Bio-inspired sensitive and reversible mechanochromisms via strain-dependent cracks and folds

Songshan Zeng, Dianyun Zhang, Wenhan Huang, Zhaofeng Wang, Stephan G. Freire, Xiaoyuan Yu, Andrew T. Smith, Emily Y. Huang, Helen Nguon and Luyi Sun ()
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Songshan Zeng: Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut
Dianyun Zhang: University of Connecticut
Wenhan Huang: Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut
Zhaofeng Wang: Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut
Stephan G. Freire: Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut
Xiaoyuan Yu: Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut
Andrew T. Smith: Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut
Emily Y. Huang: Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut
Helen Nguon: Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut
Luyi Sun: Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract A number of marine organisms use muscle-controlled surface structures to achieve rapid changes in colour and transparency with outstanding reversibility. Inspired by these display tactics, we develop analogous deformation-controlled surface-engineering approaches via strain-dependent cracks and folds to realize the following four mechanochromic devices: (1) transparency change mechanochromism (TCM), (2) luminescent mechanochromism (LM), (3) colour alteration mechanochromism (CAM) and (4) encryption mechanochromism (EM). These devices are based on a simple bilayer system that exhibits a broad range of mechanochromic behaviours with high sensitivity and reversibility. The TCM device can reversibly switch between transparent and opaque states. The LM can emit intensive fluorescence as stretched with very high strain sensitivity. The CAM can turn fluorescence from green to yellow to orange as stretched within 20% strain. The EM device can reversibly reveal and conceal any desirable patterns.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11802

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