Novel Stress/strain Sensors Based on the Mechanochromic Properties of Liquid Crystalline Polydiacetylenes

摘要

Polydiacetylenes obtained from a series of liquid crystalline diacetylene monomers and macromonomers (polymers containing diacetylene groups) exhibit mechanochromic behavior in which their original color changes upon exposure to mechanical force (tensile or shearing). These polymers have been used to develop novel, intrinsic stress/strain sensors based on their mechanochromism. Our study of morphology, crystallographic structure, and optical properties showed that the mechanochromism corresponds to structural phase transitions from crystalline to liquid crystalline phase. This paper will also discuss the relationship between chemical structure, optical properties and mechanical properties of these PDAs.