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He P, Wei C, Wang Q, Liu F, Liang S, Xu Y, Kang B. Mechanochromic Polymer Film with High Sensitivity toward Tensile Strain by the Post-Curing Ring-Closure Induced Pre-Stretching. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2400145. [PMID: 38776530 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Mechanochromic materials have received broad research interests recently, owing to its ability to monitor the in situ stress/strain in polymer materials in a straightforward way. However, one major setback that hinders the practical application of these materials is their low sensitivity toward tensile strain. Here a new strategy for pre-stretching of the mechanochromic agent in a polymer film on the molecular scale, which can effectively enhance the mechanochromic sensitivity of a polymer film toward tensile strain, is shown. In situ fluorescent measurement during tensile test shows an early activation of the mechanochromic agent at tensile strain as low as 50%. The pre-stretching effect is realized by first inducing ring-opening of the mechanochromic agent by molecular functionalization, and then compelling the ring-closure process in the cured film by elevated temperature. This post-curing ring-closure process will result in pre-stretched mechanochromic agent in a crosslinked network. The mechanism for mechanochromic activation of polymer films with different composition is elaborated by visco-elastic measurements, and the effect of pre-stretching is further confirmed by films with other compositions. Combined with the simplicity of the method developed, this work could offer an alternative strategy to enhance the sensitivity of different mechanochromic agents toward tensile strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science, Mianyang, 621900, Sichuan, P. R. China
- Institute of Chemical Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, 621900, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Wei
- Institute of Chemical Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, 621900, Sichuan, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Institute of Chemical Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, 621900, Sichuan, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Fengrui Liu
- Institute of Chemical Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, 621900, Sichuan, P. R. China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Shuen Liang
- Institute of Chemical Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, 621900, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Yewei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science, Mianyang, 621900, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Biao Kang
- Institute of Chemical Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, 621900, Sichuan, P. R. China
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2
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Sun ZY, Li Y, Wu M, He W, Yuan Y, Cao Y, Chen Y. A Rhodamine-Spiropyran Conjugate Empowering Tunable Mechanochromism in Polymers under Multiple Stimuli. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202411629. [PMID: 38966872 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202411629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Mechanochromic functionality realized via the force-responsive mechanophores in polymers has great potential for damage sensing and information storage. Mechanophores with the ability to recognize multiple stimuli for tunable chromic characteristics are highly sought after for versatile sensing ability and color programmability. Nevertheless, the majority of mechanophores are based on single-component chromophores with limited sensitivity, or require additional fabrication technology for multi-modal chromism. Here, we report a novel multifunctional mechanophore capable of vividly detectable and tunable mechanochromism in polymers. This synergistic optical coupling relies on strategically fusing rhodamine and spiropyran (Rh-SP), and tethering polymer chains on both subunits. The mechanochromic behaviors of the Rh-SP-linked polymers under sonication and compression are thoroughly evaluated in response to changes in force and the light-controlled relaxation process. Non-sequential ring-opening of the two subunits under force is identified, endowing high-contrast mechanochromism. Light-induced differential ring-closing reactions of the two subunits, together with the acidichromism of the SP moiety, are employed to engineer elastomers with programmable and wide-spectrum colors. Our work presents an effective strategy for highly appreciable and regulable mechanochromic functionality, and also provides new insights into the rupture mechanisms of π-fused mechanophores, as well as how the stimuli history controls stress accumulation in polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Ying Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300354, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Yiran Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, P. R. China
| | - Mengjiao Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300354, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Weiye He
- Department of Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300354, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300354, P. R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, P. R. China
| | - Yulan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300354, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
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O'Neill RT, Boulatov R. Mechanochemical Approaches to Fundamental Studies in Soft-Matter Physics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402442. [PMID: 38404161 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Stretching a segment of a polymer beyond its contour length makes its (primarily backbone) bonds more dissociatively labile, which enables polymer mechanochemistry. Integrating some backbone bonds into suitably designed molecular moieties yields mechanistically and kinetically diverse chemistry, which is becoming increasingly exploitable. Examples include, most prominently, attempts to improve mechanical properties of bulk polymers, as well as prospective applications in drug delivery and synthesis. This review aims to highlight an emerging effort to apply the concepts and experimental tools of mechanochemistry to fundamental physical questions in soft matter. A succinct summary of the state-of-the-knowledge of the field, with emphasis on foundational concepts and generalizable observations, is followed by analysis of 3 recent examples of mechanochemistry yielding molecular-level details of elastomer failure, macromolecular chain dynamics in elongational flows and kinetic allostery. We conclude with reasons to assume that the highlighted approaches are generalizable to a broader range of physical problems than considered to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T O'Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, University of Liverpool, Department of Chemistry, Grove Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD
| | - Roman Boulatov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, University of Liverpool, Department of Chemistry, Grove Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD
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Ji G, Hou Q, Jiang W, Li X. Investigating the Properties of Triangle Terthiophene and Triphenylamine Configured Propeller-like Photochromic Dye with Ethyne Bridge. J Fluoresc 2024:10.1007/s10895-023-03557-w. [PMID: 38198012 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03557-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Synthesis-oriented design led us to the construction of a propeller-like dye, containing the triangle terthiophene and triphenylamine units. It reveals typical photochromic properties with alternated UV (390 nm) and visible light (˃ 440 nm) irradiation and the dye solution (in THF) color was also toggled between yellow-green and colorless. A new absorption band was observed in visible region (415-600 nm). Additionally, the photochromic dye was highly emissive with the absolute quantum yield being 0.27. After UV light irradiation, the emission was quenched significantly (Φ = 0.08) at photo-stationary state, and thus establishing a switchable emission "on-off" system by alternated UV/visible light irradiation cycle. Detailed structural analysis was carried out based on the optimized dye structure. Both the antiparallel conformation and the distance of reactive carbon atoms (< 4.2 Å) led to the smoothly photochromic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangqian Ji
- Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Polymer Materials Technology and Application, Tuoren Medical Device Research &, Development Institute Co. Ltd, Xinxiang, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaozhi Hou
- Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Jiang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research, Evaluation of Innovative Drug, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochuan Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research, Evaluation of Innovative Drug, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Huo Z, Watkins KF, Jeong BC, Statt A, Laaser JE. Preferential Mechanochemical Activation of Short Chains in Bidisperse Triblock Elastomers. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:1213-1217. [PMID: 37619531 PMCID: PMC10515626 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Polymer mechanochemistry offers attractive opportunities for using macroscopic forces to drive molecular-scale chemical transformations, but achieving efficient activation in bulk polymeric materials has remained challenging. Understanding how the structure and topology of polymer networks impact molecular-scale force distributions is critical for addressing this problem. Here we show that in block copolymer elastomers the molecular-scale force distributions and mechanochemical activation yields are strongly impacted by the molecular weight distribution of the polymers. We prepare bidisperse triblock copolymer elastomers with spiropyran mechanophores placed in either the short chains, the long chains, or both and show that the overall mechanochemical activation of the materials is dominated by the short chains. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that this preferential activation occurs because pinning of the ends of the elastically effective midblocks to the glassy/rubbery interface forces early extension of the short chains. These results suggest that microphase segregation and network strand dispersity play a critical role in determining molecular-scale force distributions and suggest that selective placement of mechanophores in microphase-segregated polymers is a promising design strategy for efficient mechanochemical activation in bulk materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Huo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Kasey F. Watkins
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Brandon C. Jeong
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana−Champaign, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Antonia Statt
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana−Champaign, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of Illinois, Urbana−Champaign, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Jennifer E. Laaser
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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Ji G, Hou Q, Jiang W, Li X. Investigating the Properties of Double Triangle Terthiophene Configured Dumbbell-Like Photochromic Dye with Ethyne and 1,3-Butadiene Bridge. J Fluoresc 2023; 33:1495-1503. [PMID: 36763298 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03171-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Dumbbell-like photochromic dyes were constructed by incorporation of double triangle terthiophene with ethyne or 1,3-butadiene bridge. Regular photochromic behavior was investigated with alternated UV (365 nm) and Visible light (˃ 400 nm) irradiation. However, the different bridge group leads to distinct difference in their photochromic wavelength. For the ethyne bridged triangle terthiophene (DT1), the photochromic wavelength was observed around 500-700 nm (peak value: 605 nm) and the solution turned to red with 365 nm light irradiation. However, the photochromic wavelength was blue shift to 418-550 nm and the solution was turned to light yellow for 1,3-butadiene bridged dye (DT2). Both of the colored solution can be bleached via visible light irradiation. Additionally, the two dyes in THF were emissive with absolute quantum yield (QY) of 0.36/0.40. Along with the photo-induced photocyclization process, the emissive solution can be effectively quenched at photo-stationary sate (Φ = 0.05/0.04). And emission "on-off" cycle could be established based on the UV/visible light irradiation cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangqian Ji
- Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Polymer Materials Technology and Application, Tuoren Medical Device Research & Development Institute Co., Ldt., Xinxiang, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Qiaozhi Hou
- Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Jiang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaochuan Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, P. R. China.
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