Open AccessTattooing Plastics with Reversible and Irreversible Encryption
Author(s) -
Yimyai Tiwa,
Phakkeeree Treethip,
Crespy Daniel
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.201903785
Subject(s) - engraving , polymer , materials science , substrate (aquarium) , disulfide bond , matrix (chemical analysis) , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , composite material , chemistry , geology , biochemistry , oceanography , engineering
Self‐healing materials are explored for restoring mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. Inspired by the process of tattooing on human skin, a method for engraving non‐permanent or permanent messages on plastics is developed. A self‐healing polymer containing dynamic disulfide bonds is employed as substrate for encryption of written messages. The polymer is engraved with a dye solution which is subsequently covered by the polymer matrix upon activation with temperature increase. The dye is then located at the subsurface of the substrate so that the information cannot be removed easily by wear or extraction with solvents. Therefore, self‐healing polymers can be applied as sustainable substrates for reversibly and irreversibly engraving information.