Mechanophores are molecules that change their color or fluorescence in response to mechanical forces. When incorporated in polymeric materials, they become useful probes that enable the detection of micron scale-damage or render stress distributions visual. The fluorescence of fluorescent proteins is linked to their native structure, which can be distorted by mechanical forces. Enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) loses its fluorescence when subjected to macroscopic forces. This protein was implemented as a mechanophore in fiber-reinforced composites by using it as a force-responsive layer at the interface between epoxy resin and glass- or carbon-fibers. The biomolecule reports barely visible impact damage, such as the fracture of fibers and the debonding of resin from fibers, by loss of fluorescence. The resulting self-reporting materials could find application as a safety feature in load-bearing components to prevent catastrophic material failure. Moreover, fluorescent proteins could be used as analytical tool to investigate damage propagation in materials under load.

Yellow fluorescent protein senses and reports mechanical damage in fiber-reinforced polymer composites

248th National Meeting (2014)

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