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Unwinding a spiral of cellulose nanocrystals for stimuli-responsive stretchable optics

Author

Listed:
  • Osamu Kose

    (University of British Columbia)

  • Andy Tran

    (University of British Columbia)

  • Lev Lewis

    (University of British Columbia)

  • Wadood Y. Hamad

    (FPInnovations)

  • Mark J. MacLachlan

    (University of British Columbia)

Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from biomass spontaneously organize into a helical arrangement, termed a chiral nematic structure. This structure mimics the organization of chitin found in the exoskeletons of arthropods, where it contributes to their remarkable mechanical strength. Here, we demonstrate a photonic sensory mechanism based on the reversible unwinding of chiral nematic CNCs embedded in an elastomer, leading the materials to display stimuli-responsive stretchable optics. Vivid interference colors appear as the film is stretched and disappear when the elastomer returns to its original shape. This reversible optical effect is caused by a mechanically-induced transition of the CNCs between a chiral nematic and pseudo-nematic arrangement.

Suggested Citation

  • Osamu Kose & Andy Tran & Lev Lewis & Wadood Y. Hamad & Mark J. MacLachlan, 2019. "Unwinding a spiral of cellulose nanocrystals for stimuli-responsive stretchable optics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-7, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-08351-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08351-6
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