Pressure‐Sensitive Chromogenic Polyesters

Abstract

Abstract Cyano‐OPV moieties were covalently incorporated into a PETG backbone to create ductile amorphous polymers which change their PL and absorption color as a function of deformation. The cyano‐OPV concentration was systematically varied, and the composition was related to the material's optical response. This approach afforded PETG/dye copolymers which upon annealing display characteristics of aggregated dye molecules. The materials exhibit a significant color change upon compression, consistent with disassembly of the dye aggregates. This mechanochromic response is irreversible and can be detected by the unassisted eye. magnified image