Open AccessInterfacial Force‐Focusing Effect in Mechanophore‐Linked Nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Kim Tae Ann,
Lamuta Caterina,
Kim Hojun,
Leal Cecilia,
Sottos Nancy R.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.201903464
Subject(s) - materials science , spiropyran , merocyanine , nanocomposite , polymer , surface tension , polymer nanocomposite , chemical engineering , nanoparticle , composite material , nanotechnology , photochromism , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
Enhanced force transmission to mechanophores is demonstrated in polymer nanocomposite materials. Spiropyran (SP) mechanophores that change color and fluorescence under mechanical stimuli are functionalized at the interface between SiO 2 nanoparticles and polymers. Successful mechanical activation of SP at the interface is confirmed in both solution and solid states. Compared with SP‐linked in bulk polymers, interfacial activation induces greater conversion of SP to its colored merocyanine form and also significantly decreases the activation threshold under tension. Experimental observations are supported by finite element simulation of the interfacial stress state. The interfacial force‐focusing strategy opens a new way to control the reactivity of mechanophores and also potentially indicates interfacial damage in composite materials.