Biomimetic mechanochromic sensors based on the cuticular scales of the weevil Entimus imperialis
H. Fabritius, X. Wu, A. Erbe, C. Zollfrank, S. Gorb, P. Eisenlohr, D. Raabe
Many applications of photonic crystals are based on dynamic changes of their optical behavior in response to external stimuli such as mechanical deformation in mechanochromic photonic structures. The aim of this project is to combine an experimental bio-templating approach with a theoretical analysis and simulations of the mechanical behavior of bicontinuous cubic structures to develop polymer-based photonic crystals based on the D-structures in the scales of the weevil Entimus imperialis that consist of materials with optical and mechanical properties suitable for potential mechanochromic applications.
Fig. 1. a) Spectral shift of a photonic crystal domain in a scale of the weevil Entimus imperials during compression from the natural state b) to the state of maximum compaction c).
© Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH