Molecular design of force-sensitive molecules in polymer mechanochemistry has brought new concepts in smart materials, yet its use has been limited to homogenous polymer systems. Here we reported a novel system that implements mechanophores as anchor points at hetero-interfaces. Anthracene-maleimide mechanophore, which can undergo retro [4+2] cycloaddition upon activation, was immobilized on the surface of silica nanoparticles, followed by living polymerization to give mechanophore-anchored hairy nanoparticles. The selective mechanochemical activation of the mechanophore was induced by solvodynamic shear generated under ultra-sonication, and was monitored by tracing the amount of cleaved polymers. In addition, the detached polymers exhibited characteristic absorption bands of anthracene, which clearly suggested the mechanochemical activation at the interface. Kinetics study will be discussed in details. We anticipate that the results of this study will provide an insight to mechanochemistry in heterogeneous systems, and lead to a better understanding of how material design allows for effective response to mechanical force.

Mechanophore activiation at hetero-interfaces

248th National Meeting (2014)

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