Colorimetric stress memory sensor based on disassembly of gold nanoparticle chains

We report the development of a stress-responsive colorimetric film that can memorize the stress it has experienced. The system is designed by taking advantage of the plasmonic shift associated with the disassembly of one-dimensional gold nanoparticle chains driven by the plastic deformation of the surrounding polymer matrix. By modifying the plasticity of the polymer, we demonstrate that the plasmonic shift and colorimetric change respond to a large range of stresses. This novel pressure indicating film can be used to capture and record the pressure distribution and magnitude between two contacting or impacting surfaces by outputting color information.