From shape and color memory PCL network to access high security anti-counterfeit material

Abstract

Shape memory polymers have been widely applied in actuators and space deployable materials due to the shape-change feature under external stimuli. Actually, it will show greater potential in smart materials if the shape memory technique creatively combined with other functions. Herein, a shape and color memory material was prepared by incorporating a photochromic molecule spiropyran into the shape memory poly(ε-caprolactone) network. Integrating shape memory effect with color variance in this network, we firstly mimic a blooming rose with color change as it warms through specific assembly and procedures. Assisted with dynamic bond exchange of urethane and ester linkages, surface patterning, and molding technology, a series of application models can execute SME accompanied with color change were demonstrated, including high security information storage material, anti-counterfeit label and encryption label.