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 Maijs 2019
Accepted
26 Jūl. 2019
First published
26 Jūl. 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.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements