Mechanochemically Responsive Elastomers: Fundamental and Applications (INVITED)

Abstract eng:
Mechanochemically responsive (MCR) elastomers have been synthesized by incorporating mechanophores – molecules whose chemical reactions are triggered by mechanical force – into conventional polymer networks. Deformation of the MCR elastomers applies force on the mechanophores and triggers their reactions, which manifest as phenomena such as changing colors, varying fluorescence and releasing molecules. In this talk, we first present a microphysical model of MCR elastomers, which quantitatively captures the interplay between the macroscopic viscoelastic deformation of the MCR elastomers and the reversible activation of mechanophores on polymer chains. Our model consistently predicts both the time-dependent stress-strain behaviours and the color or fluorescence variation of the MCR elastomers under large deformations. We then discuss model-guided design of structures and devices with extraordinary functions and applications enabled by MCR elastomers such as synthetic squid skin capable of dynamically varying colours and surface textures on demand.

• Export as: BibTeX | MARC | MARCXML | DC | EndNote | NLM | RefWorks
• Add to your basket