Long-chain crosslinker-induced patterning on an elastic polymer film for robust and reversible information...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Information Security

Background:

• Reversible information encryption is challenging for elastic polymer films due to their chemical stability.
• Existing methods often compromise film integrity, leading to brittleness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a solvent-free method for chemical patterning and information encryption on poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS) elastic films.
• To enhance the mechanical properties and durability of the films for information security applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a solvent-free radical polymerization method for chemical patterning.
• Employed long-chain crosslinkers chemically bonded to SBS chains.
• Patterned films using a photomask for selective crosslinking.

Main Results:

• Achieved significant improvements in mechanical stability: 1.8x increase in strength and 2.3x increase in toughness.
• Demonstrated reversible, acetone-induced opacity changes in non-crosslinked regions for information display.
• Maintained encryption/decryption functionality for over 30 days in ambient conditions, outperforming hydrogels.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a robust and stable platform for information encryption and decryption on elastic films.
• Adjustable crosslinking allows for multi-stage encryption/decryption, enhancing data security.
• This approach offers a promising alternative to hydrogels for long-term, stable information storage.