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Published on: January 28, 2016
Multi-stimuli-responsive photonics films based on chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystals
Yahui Meng1, Zhibin He2, Cuihua Dong3
1Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Environmental and Nature Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China.
Abstract:
Multiple-stimuli-responsive bio-based materials have received considerable attention for intelligent packaging and anti-counterfeiting applications. Herein, we present a unique biobased photonics film with multi-stimuli responsive behavior based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), sorbitol (S) and anthocyanin (Anth). The resulting photonics film exhibits multi-stimuli responsive behavior to humidity, solvent and pH stimuli. Notably, the photonics film showed dramatic invertible color from blue to fuchsia and high sensitivity at a relative humidity from 50% to 100%. Moreover, the photonics film exhibited fast response and good reversibility under different ethanol concentrations. Significant color changes of the photonics film were also observed in response to pH change in the range of 2 to 12. Particularly, the humidity, solvent and pH responsiveness of the photonics film did not interfere with each other.

