Introducing static cross-linking points into dynamic covalent polymer gels that display freezing-induced mechanofluorescence: enhanced force transmission efficiency and stability

Abstract

Freezing polymer gels that are cross-linked by tetraarylsuccinonitrile (TASN) moieties, which can generate pink and fluorescent yellow radicals in response to mechanical stress, induces mechanofluorescence from the dynamic dissociation of the TASN groups. In this study, additional cross-linking points based on static (i.e. non-dynamic) covalent bonds were incorporated into TASN-containing dynamic gels, resulting in a more efficient force transmission to the TASN moieties and improved stability.