Buprestidae metamorphosis-inspired stiffening photonic elastomers for shape-color integrated memory and information encryption.

ABSTRACT: Integrating shape memory polymers into the device provides multifunctionality and recyclability. However, complex programming steps and the immutability of material properties hinder their applications. Here, inspired by the Buprestidae sclerotization process, linear long side chains are introduced into chiral liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs), a class of polymeric photonic crystals, enhancing the phase transition tendency of the system. Through microphase separation between the more ordered structure (smectic and crystalline phases) and the primary chiral nematic (N*) phase, self-enhancement of the material is achieved at room temperature while retaining the selective reflection of the N* phase. Within 48 hours, the Young's modulus increases by 1854%, and the strain energy density in the

SUBMITTER: Ren T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855833 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature