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

Author

Listed:
  • Songshan Zeng

    (Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut)

  • Dianyun Zhang

    (University of Connecticut)

  • Wenhan Huang

    (Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut
    School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Heyuan Polytechnic)

  • 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
    Institute of Biomaterials, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University)

  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Songshan Zeng & Dianyun Zhang & Wenhan Huang & Zhaofeng Wang & Stephan G. Freire & Xiaoyuan Yu & Andrew T. Smith & Emily Y. Huang & Helen Nguon & Luyi Sun, 2016. "Bio-inspired sensitive and reversible mechanochromisms via strain-dependent cracks and folds," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-9, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms11802
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11802
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    Cited by:

    1. Casini, Marco, 2018. "Active dynamic windows for buildings: A review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 923-934.

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