In nature, some marine organisms, such as <i>Cephalopods</i>, have evolved to possess camouflage traits by dynamically and reversibly altering their transparency, fluorescence, and coloration via muscle-controlled surface structures and morphologies. To mimic these display tactics, we designed similar deformation controlled surface engineering via strain-dependent cracks and folds to realize four types of novel mechanochromisms: (1) transparency change mechanochromism (TCM), (2) luminescent mechanochromism (LM), (3) color alteration mechanochromism (CAM), and (4) encryption mechanochromism (EM), based on a simple bilayer system consisting of a rigid thin film atop a soft substrate, which can be easily fabricated via cast and spray coating. Based on a similar polymeric bilayer structure, a series of moisture and/or laser responsive wrinkle dynamics inspired by human skin featuring different reversibilities and stabilities were also designed and fabricated. These unique responsive dynamics resulted in the invention of a series of responsive materials triggered by moisture and/or laser, whose response can be either reversible or irreversible by tailoring the dimension, morphology, and/or composition of the bilayer structure. The above multifunctional biomimetic materials are promising for applications in smart windows, dynamic optical switches, encryption, anti-counterfeit tabs, water indicators, etc.

Bio-inspired multi-responsive materials

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.