Tracking Local Mechanical Impact in Heterogeneous Polymers with Direct Optical Imaging.

ABSTRACT: Structural heterogeneity defines the properties of many functional polymers and it is often crucial for their performance and ability to withstand mechanical impact. Such heterogeneity, however, poses a tremendous challenge for characterization of these materials and limits our ability to design them rationally. Herein we present a practical methodology capable of resolving the complex mechanical behavior and tracking mechanical impact in discrete phases of segmented polyurethane-a typical example of a structurally complex polymer. Using direct optical imaging of photoluminescence produced by a small-molecule organometallic mechano-responsive sensor we observe in real time how polymer phases dissipate energy, restructure, and breakdown upon mechanical impact. Owing to its simplicity and ro

SUBMITTER: Filonenko GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6348422 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature