Mechanochromic polymers with a multimodal chromic transition: mechanophore design and transduction mechanism

Abstract

Mechanochromic polymers have been widely investigated in terms of their colour changes in response to external mechanical forces. This unique optical property can enable their use in a wide range of novel applications. Starting with their simple on–off mechanism, mechanochromic polymers have been advanced to exhibit multi-chromic transitions by several strategies, including the development of novel mechanophores and polymer linkages. This review aims to present the recent progress in the growing field of multi-chromic polymers embedded with mechanophores by concentrating on transduction mechanisms and design concepts. It was found that mechanophores can be carefully engineered to exhibit new transition modes using various concepts.