Visualizing and Quantifying Impact with Mechanochromic Sensing Paints Based on Self-Assembled Polydiacetylene-Silk...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Mechanical impact detection is crucial for material integrity and physiological monitoring.
• Current methods using electronic sensors face challenges in integration, shaping, and scalability.
• High-force impact detection (100-770 N) requires accurate and quantitative measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, visual alternative for detecting and quantifying mechanical impact.
• To create a mechanochromic material for impact history tracking.
• To demonstrate the utility of the developed paint across various material formats.

Main Methods:

• Utilized self-assembly of polydiacetylene (PDA) and regenerated silk fibroin protein (SF) into core-shell vesicles.
• Developed a mechanochromic paint exhibiting an irreversible blue-to-red color transition upon impact.
• Quantified the colorimetric response's proportionality to impact energy.

Main Results:

• The mechanochromic paint demonstrated an irreversible color change from blue to red upon impact.
• The colorimetric response was directly proportional to impact energy across a broad range (100-770 N, 100-1000 MPa).
• The paint showed wide utility and was successfully integrated into demonstrator devices.

Conclusions:

• A novel mechanochromic paint offers a simple and effective solution for impact detection and visualization.
• The PDA-SF based paint provides quantitative impact history tracking with a scalable colorimetric response.
• This technology has broad applicability in monitoring material stresses and assessing physiological impacts.