Advanced Materials · 2001 · 105 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesMaterials EngineeringMaterials ScienceOptical MaterialsPhotonicsPolymer MaterialsComposite MaterialsNanocompositesOptical PolymersOptical Properties Of MaterialsOptical SensingPhotonic MaterialsLong-range OrderOptical Polymer CompositesOrdered Colloidal ArraysPhotonic Sensor Materials
A procedure for generating robust polymeric composites that exhibit photonic bandgap (PBG) and mechanochromic properties is presented (see Figure). The long-range order in colloidal arrays is stabilized through encapsulation in a robust and water-free matrix. These systems may be useful in optical sensors or switching applications.