Issue 36, 2019

Mechanochromism and optical remodeling of multi-network elastomers containing anthracene dimers

Abstract

Multi-network elastomers are both stiff and tough by virtue of containing a pre-stretched stiff network that can rupture and dissipate energy under load. However, the rupture of this sacrificial network in all described covalent multi-network elastomers is irreversible. Herein, we describe the first example of multi-network elastomers with a reformable sacrificial network containing mechanochemically sensitive anthracene-dimer cross-links. These cross-links also make our elastomers mechanochromic, with coloration that is both persistent and reversible, because the fluorogenic moiety (anthracene dimer) is regenerated upon irradiation of the material. In proof-of-concept experiments we demonstrate the utility of incorporating anthracene dimers in the backbone of the sacrificial network for monitoring mechanochemical remodeling of multi-network elastomers under cycling mechanical load. Stretching or compressing these elastomers makes them fluorescent and irradiating them eliminates the fluorescence by regenerating anthracene dimers. Reformable mechanochromic cross-links, exemplified by anthracene dimers, hold potential for enabling detailed studies of the molecular origin of the unique mechanical properties of multi-network elastomers.

Graphical abstract: Mechanochromism and optical remodeling of multi-network elastomers containing anthracene dimers

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
26 5 2019
Accepted
26 7 2019
First published
26 7 2019
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 8367-8373

Mechanochromism and optical remodeling of multi-network elastomers containing anthracene dimers

H. Zhang, D. Zeng, Y. Pan, Y. Chen, Y. Ruan, Y. Xu, R. Boulatov, C. Creton and W. Weng, Chem. Sci., 2019, 10, 8367 DOI: 10.1039/C9SC02580D

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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