Visual cues are extremely useful in a variety of settings from signal transmission to detection schemes. Polymer scientists have devised many strategies that rely on luminescence as a means to detect specific events ranging from the presence of biologically relevant to the dissociation of bonds. One interesting way to induce bond scission is the use of mechanical force and specifically the elongational flow induced by sonochemical waves. In our project, we focused on the introduction of a variety of weak links or mechanophores capable of generating an optical cue as a result of bond scission. To impart better understanding of optical processes, a lesson plan was designed for eleventh-grade students revolved around harmful UV rays from the sun. Students will be first engaged by learning how sunscreen works and will complete a demonstration applying sunscreen to paper. Students will then explore how animals protect themselves from sunlight without sunscreen. After discussing more natural sunscreen solutions, students will try to mimic animals by combing a phosphorescent bio-plastic with scales, feathers, etc. Finally, the classroom's findings can be assessed and the results will be presented in the present contribution.

Seeing the light in polymer science

255th National Meeting (2018)

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