Photonic Patterns Printed in Chiral Nematic Mesoporous Resins |
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Authors: | Dr Mostofa K Khan Anas Bsoul Prof Konrad Walus Dr Wadood Y Hamad Prof Mark J MacLachlan |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1 (Canada) http://www.chem.ubc.ca/mark‐maclachlan;2. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2332 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 (Canada);3. Department of Computer Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid (Jordan);4. FPInnovations, 2665 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 (Canada) |
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Abstract: | Chiral nematic mesoporous phenol‐formaldehyde resins, which were prepared using cellulose nanocrystals as a template, can be used as a substrate to produce latent photonic images. These resins undergo swelling, which changes their reflected color. By writing on the films with chemical inks, the density of methylol groups in the resin changes, subsequently affecting their degree of swelling and, consequently, their color. Writing on the films gives latent images that are revealed only upon swelling of the films. Using inkjet printing, it is possible to make higher resolution photonic patterns both as text and images that can be visualized by swelling and erased by drying. This novel approach to printing photonic patterns in resin films may be applied to anti‐counterfeit tags, signage, and decorative applications. |
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Keywords: | cellulose nanocrystals liquid‐crystal template mesoporous material photonic pattern resins |
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