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Polymerizable Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Skin-Like Elastomers with Dynamic Schemochrome and Self-Healing Ability.
Xinkai Li1, Jize Liu1, Quanquan Guo2
1State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|April 11, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a chameleon-inspired skin-like elastomer using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES). This material offers wide-range strain detection, dynamic color changes, and self-healing for advanced flexible sensors.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomimetics
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Animal skin inspires multifunctional sensing materials with strain detection, visual cues, and self-healing.
- Existing cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) sensors have limitations in structural fragility and non-adjustable helical pitch.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel skin-like elastomer inspired by chameleon skin.
- To overcome limitations of existing CNC-based sensors for enhanced performance.
Main Methods:
- Embedding cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) liquid crystal skeleton into polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES) via in situ polymerization.
- Utilizing an elastic ionic conductive PDES matrix and dynamic interfacial hydrogen bonding.
Main Results:
- The resulting elastomer exhibits strain-induced wide-range (0-500%) dynamic structural colors.
- Achieved excellent self-healing ability (78.9-90.7%) and high stretch-ability (1163.7%).
- Demonstrated strain-sensing and self-adhesive abilities suitable for flexible sensors.
Conclusions:
- The developed biomimetic material offers a robust and adaptable platform for next-generation electronic skin.
- This approach enables wide-range dynamic color changes and self-healing, expanding possibilities for flexible sensors.
- Potential applications include anti-counterfeit labels, foldable displays, and wearable optical devices.
