A double-layer mechanochromic hydrogel with multidirectional force sensing and encryption capability
Hydrogel-based soft mechanochromic materials that display colorimetric changes upon mechanical stimuli have attracted wide interest in sensors and display device applications. A common strategy to produce mechanochromic hydrogels is through photonic structures, in which mechanochromism is obtained b...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2021
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10356/150195 |
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| Institution: | Nanyang Technological University |
| Language: | English |
| Summary: | Hydrogel-based soft mechanochromic materials that display colorimetric changes upon mechanical stimuli have attracted wide interest in sensors and display device applications. A common strategy to produce mechanochromic hydrogels is through photonic structures, in which mechanochromism is obtained by strain-dependent diffraction of light. Here, a distinct concept and simple fabrication strategy is presented to produce luminescent mechanochromic hydrogels based on a double-layer design. The two layers contain different luminescent species—carbon dots and lanthanide ions—with overlapped excitation spectra and distinct emission spectra. The mechanochromism is rendered by strain-dependent transmittance of the top-layer, which regulates light emission from the bottom-layer to control the overall hydrogel luminescence. An analytical model is developed to predict the initial luminescence color and color changes as a function of uniaxial strain. Finally, this study demonstrates proof-of-concept applications of the mechanochromic hydrogel for pressure and contact force sensors as well as for encryption devices. |
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