A Novel Concept for Self‐Reporting Materials: Stress Sensitive Photoluminescence in ZnO Tetrapod Filled Elastomers

Abstract

The stress-induced photo-luminescence response of tetrapodal shaped ZnO filler embedded in a silicone elastomer is used to demonstrate a novel concept for self-reporting materials. Applied tensile stress can be followed in composites with low and high filler fractions by measuring the photoluminescence response of the T-ZnO. The deformation of the interlocked ZnO network appears to be essential for the self-reporting mechanism.