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Abstract Smart materials with coupled optical and mechanical responsiveness to external stimuli, as inspired by nature, are of interest for the biomimetic design of the next generation of soft machines and wearable electronics. A tough polymer that shows adaptable and switchable mechanical and fluorescent properties is designed using a fluorescent lanthanide, europium (Eu). The dynamic Eu‐iminodiacetate (IDA) coordination is incorporated to build up the physical cross‐linking network in the polymer film consisting of two interpenetrated networks. Reversible disruption and reformation of Eu‐IDA complexation endow high stiffness, toughness, and stretchability to the polymer elastomer through energy dissipation of dynamic coordination. Water that binds to Eu3+ions shows an interesting impact simultaneously on the mechanical strength and fluorescent emission of the Eu‐containing polymer elastomer. The mechanical states of the polymer, along with the visually optical response through the emission color change of the polymer film, are reversibly switchable with moisture as a stimulus. The coupled response in the mechanical strength and emissive color in one single material is potentially applicable for smart materials requiring an optical readout of their mechanical properties.
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Networks and interfaces as catalysts for polymer materials innovation
Autonomous experimental systems offer a compelling glimpse into a future where closed-loop, iterative cycles—performed by machines and guided by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)—play a foundational role in materials research and development. This perspective draws attention to the roles of networks and interfaces—of and between humans and machines—for the purpose of generating knowledge and accelerating innovation. Polymers, a class of materials with massive global impact, present a unique opportunity for the application of informatics and automation to pressing societal challenges. To develop these networks and interfaces in polymer science, the Community Resource for Innovation in Polymer Technology (CRIPT)—a polymer data ecosystem based on novel polymer data model, representation, search, and visualization technologies—is introduced. The ongoing co-design efforts engage stakeholders in industry, academia, and government to uncover rapidly actionable, high-impact opportunities to build networks, bridge interfaces, and catalyze innovation in polymer technology.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2134795
- PAR ID:
- 10479708
- Publisher / Repository:
- ScienceDirect
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Cell Reports Physical Science
- Volume:
- 3
- Issue:
- 11
- ISSN:
- 2666-3864
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 101126
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2022.101126
