To increase the flexibility of cellulose nanocrystals, the researchers added a polymer called PEGDA and used UV light to crosslink it to the rod-shaped nanocrystals, producing films with bright iridescent colors ranging from blue to red, depending on the PEGDA amount. Fei Song, Yu-Zhong Wang and colleagues wanted to develop a highly flexible film made of cellulose nanocrystals that changes color when stretched. However, the films are typically fragile and, unlike chameleon skin, can't be stretched without breaking. In contrast, cellulose nanocrystals are a renewable material that can self-assemble into a film with iridescent structural colors.
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Scientists have mimicked the crystalline nanostructures of chameleon skin in various color-changing materials, but they're typically difficult to produce, or they rely on non-renewable petroleum resources. These structural colors are different from the pigments that give many other creatures their hues. Watch a video of the chameleon-inspired material here.īy tensing or relaxing their skin, chameleons can change the way light reflects from guanine crystals under the surface, producing what's known as structural coloration. They report their results in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Now, researchers have developed a flexible film that changes color in response to stretching, pressure or humidity. Scientists have tried to replicate these color-changing properties for stealth technologies, anti-counterfeiting measures and electronic displays, but the materials have limitations. view moreĬhameleons can famously change their colors to camouflage themselves, communicate and regulate their temperature. Image: Drawing inspiration from chameleon skin, researchers have developed a flexible film that changes color in response to stretching, pressure or humidity.