Photochromic cross-link polymer for color changing and sensing surface

Richard X. Fu; Jianmin Shi; Eric W. Forsythe; Merric Srour

doi:10.1117/1.OE.55.12.124105

20 December 2016 Photochromic cross-link polymer for color changing and sensing surface

Richard X. Fu, Jianmin Shi, Eric W. Forsythe, Merric Srour

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 55, Issue 12, 124105 (December 2016). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.55.12.124105

Abstract

Photochromic cross-link polymers were developed using patented ultraviolet (UV) photoinitiator and commercial photochromic dyes. The photochromic dyes have been characterized by measuring absorbance before and after UV activation using UV-visible (Vis) spectrometry with varying activation intensities and wavelengths. Photochromic cross-link polymers were characterized by a dynamic xenon and UV light activation and fading system. The curing processes on cloth were established and tested to obtain effective photochromic responses. Both PulseForge photonic curing and PulseForge plus heat surface curing processes had much better photochromic responses (18% to 19%, 16% to 25%, respectively) than the xenon lamp treatment (8%). The newly developed photochromic cross-link polymer showed remarkable coloration contrasts and fast and comparable coloration and fading rates. Those intelligent, controlled color changing and sensing capabilities will be used on flexible and “drapeable” surfaces, which will incorporate ultra-low power sensors, sensor indicators, and identifiers.

Citation Download Citation

Richard X. Fu, Jianmin Shi, Eric W. Forsythe, and Merric Srour "Photochromic cross-link polymer for color changing and sensing surface," Optical Engineering 55(12), 124105 (20 December 2016). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.55.12.124105

Received: 18 August 2016; Accepted: 22 November 2016; Published: 20 December 2016

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