Bistable and photoswitchable states of matter

Brady T. Worrell, Matthew K. McBride, Gayla B. Lyon, Lewis M. Cox, Chen Wang, Sudheendran Mavila, Chern-Hooi Lim, Hannah M. Coley, Charles B. Musgrave, Yifu Ding and Christopher N. Bowman ()
Additional contact information
Brady T. Worrell: University of Colorado
Matthew K. McBride: University of Colorado
Gayla B. Lyon: University of Colorado
Lewis M. Cox: University of Colorado
Chen Wang: University of Colorado
Sudheendran Mavila: University of Colorado
Chern-Hooi Lim: University of Colorado
Hannah M. Coley: University of Colorado
Charles B. Musgrave: University of Colorado
Yifu Ding: University of Colorado
Christopher N. Bowman: University of Colorado

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Classical materials readily switch phases (solid to fluid or fluid to gas) upon changes in pressure or heat; however, subsequent reversion of the stimulus returns the material to their original phase. Covalently cross-linked polymer networks, which are solids that do not flow when strained, do not change phase even upon changes in temperature and pressure. However, upon the addition of dynamic cross-links, they become stimuli responsive, capable of switching phase from solid to fluid, but quickly returning to the solid state once the stimulus is removed. Reported here is the first material capable of a bistable switching of phase. A permanent solid to fluid transition or vice versa is demonstrated at room temperature, with inherent, spatiotemporal control over this switch in either direction triggered by exposure to light.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05300-7

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