Aggregation-Induced Emissive Silicone Elastomer with Multiple Stimuli Responsiveness

Abstract

Stable and highly efficient fluorescent silicone elastomers have attracted tremendous attention. In this contribution, a series of fluorescent silicone elastomers are facilely fabricated by combining aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active polymers with a silicone matrix. The investigated AIE-active macromolecules are synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization of vinyl monomers containing a tetraphenylethylene pendant. Detailed experimental characterizations demonstrate that macromolecular fluorescent compounds have good dispersibility and leaching resistance in silicone elastomers. Especially, the fluorescence properties of the silicone elastomers can be modulated by changing the molecular weight or aggregation state of the fluorescent macromolecules. Moreover, the prepared fluorescent silicone films show multiple stimulus responsiveness to strain, temperature, and organic solvents. The present work provides a simple and universal strategy toward fluorescent silicone elastomers for both scientific research and future practical applications.