Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Colors and Magnetism

Colors and Magnetism

Color in Coordination Complexes
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human...

Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity

Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity

Polymerization generates chiral centers along the entire backbone of a polymer chain. Accordingly, the stereochemistry of the substituent group has a significant effect on polymer properties. Polymers formed from monosubstituted alkene monomers feature chiral carbons at every alternate position in the polymer backbone. Relative to the predominant orientation of substituents at the adjacent chiral carbons, the polymer can exist in three different configurations: isotactic, syndiotactic, and...

Structural Isomerism

Structural Isomerism

Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...

Stereoisomerism

Stereoisomerism

Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula.
Transition metal complexes often exist as geometric isomers, in which the same atoms are connected through the same types of bonds but with differences in their orientation in space. Coordination complexes with two different ligands in the cis and trans positions from a ligand of interest form isomers. For example, the octahedral [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+ ion has two isomers (Figure 1) In the cis...

Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry

Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry

The absorption of UV–visible light by conjugated systems causes the promotion of an electron from the ground state to the excited state. Consequently, photochemical electrocyclic reactions proceed via the excited-state HOMO rather than the ground-state HOMO. Since the ground- and excited-state HOMOs have different symmetries, the stereochemical outcome of electrocyclic reactions depends on the mode of activation; i.e., thermal or photochemical.
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Force Reveals Hidden Conformations and Dissociation Pathways in Individual π-Interacting Dimers.

Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)·2026

Same author

Mechanochemical assembly of polymer-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes <i>via</i> twin-screw extrusion for large-scale production and material reinforcement.

Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)·2026

Same author

Bioinspired Strategies for Directional Water Transport in Asymmetric Membranes.

ACS applied polymer materials·2026

Same author

Photoresponsive Metallo-Supramolecular Systems Constructed From a Bidentate Ligand.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026

Same author

Thermoresponsive Gels Based on Cross-Linked Polymer-Grafted Cellulose Nanocrystals.

Biomacromolecules·2026

Same author

Healable and Reprocessable PETG-Based Dynamic Vinylogous Urethane Networks.

Macromolecules·2026

Same journal

Reprocessable Disulfide-Based Vitrimers with Adhesive Properties.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026

Same journal

Micro- and Nanopatterning of Highly Conductive PEDOT Thin Films.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026

Same journal

From Molecular Structure to Macroscopic Performance: Insights into Polycarbosilane Curing.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026

Same journal

High-Yield Synthesis of Molecular Bottlebrushes With Block Copolymer Side Chains by the Copper Superoxido Complex Enabled ATRP via a Grafting-From Approach.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026

Same journal

Chemically and Mechanically Recyclable Polyolefins Incorporating Covalent Adaptable Networks.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026

Same journal

Designing Thermally Stable DNA Hydrogels via Entropically-Driven Acridine Intercalation.

Macromolecular rapid communications·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 29, 2025

An Electrochemical Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Device for Quick and Low-Voltage Color Modulation

An Electrochemical Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Device for Quick and Low-Voltage Color Modulation

Published on: February 27, 2019

Mechanochromism in Structurally Colored Polymeric Materials.

Jess M Clough¹, Christoph Weder¹, Stephen Schrettl¹

¹Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland.

Macromolecular Rapid Communications

|November 19, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Structurally colored polymers exhibit mechanochromic effects, changing color with deformation for continuous strain sensing. These advanced materials offer potential in diverse applications, from medical sensors to security features.

Keywords:

mechanochromism polymers structural colors

More Related Videos

A 'Plug and Play' Method to Create Water-dispersible Nanoassemblies Containing an Amphiphilic Polymer, Organic Dyes and Upconverting Nanoparticles

A 'Plug and Play' Method to Create Water-dispersible Nanoassemblies Containing an Amphiphilic Polymer, Organic Dyes and Upconverting Nanoparticles

Published on: November 14, 2015

Preparation of Polyoxometalate-based Photo-responsive Membranes for the Photo-activation of Manganese Oxide Catalysts

Preparation of Polyoxometalate-based Photo-responsive Membranes for the Photo-activation of Manganese Oxide Catalysts

Published on: August 7, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Nov 29, 2025

An Electrochemical Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Device for Quick and Low-Voltage Color Modulation

An Electrochemical Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Device for Quick and Low-Voltage Color Modulation

Published on: February 27, 2019

A 'Plug and Play' Method to Create Water-dispersible Nanoassemblies Containing an Amphiphilic Polymer, Organic Dyes and Upconverting Nanoparticles

A 'Plug and Play' Method to Create Water-dispersible Nanoassemblies Containing an Amphiphilic Polymer, Organic Dyes and Upconverting Nanoparticles

Published on: November 14, 2015

Preparation of Polyoxometalate-based Photo-responsive Membranes for the Photo-activation of Manganese Oxide Catalysts

Preparation of Polyoxometalate-based Photo-responsive Membranes for the Photo-activation of Manganese Oxide Catalysts

Published on: August 7, 2018

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Polymer Science
Optics

Background:

Mechanochromic effects in structurally colored materials arise from deformation-induced changes in their ordered nanostructures.
Polymeric materials exhibiting these effects offer continuous strain sensing, high resolution, and a wide sensing range.
Potential applications include pressure-sensing bandages and anti-counterfeiting devices.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize recent developments in mechanochromic structurally colored polymers, focusing on materials design.
To provide an overview of approaches to achieve mechanochromic effects and the underlying physical principles.
To discuss preparation methodologies and examine capabilities and limitations for reporting mechanical deformation.

Main Methods:

Overview of different approaches to achieve mechanochromic effects in structurally colored materials.
Summarization of physical principles governing light interaction with these material types.
Detailed discussion of diverse polymer preparation methodologies, referencing natural inspirations.

Main Results:

Structurally colored polymers provide continuous strain sensing with high resolution and broad range.
Analysis of capabilities and limitations in visualizing mechanical deformation across general and specific contexts.
Identification of current trends and future opportunities in the field of mechanochromic polymers.

Conclusions:

Mechanochromic polymers represent a significant advancement in strain-sensing technology.
Materials design and understanding of light-matter interactions are crucial for optimizing performance.
Further research holds promise for novel applications in sensing, security, and beyond.