| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1384822 | Carbohydrate Polymers | 2016 | 8 Pages |
•Preparation of novel stimuli-responsive cellulose modified with photochromic latex.•Modification of MCC and paper pulp with epoxy-functionalized latex.•Photochromic and solvatochromic properties of the papers under UV irradiation.•Photo-solvatochromic papers with fast response.
Photoresponsive papers are among the fast and simple tools for detection of polarity by solvatochromic and photochromic behaviors upon UV irradiation. Here, a new, green and facile modification strategy was employed to prepare novel stimuli-responsive cellulose materials containing spiropyran by mixing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), as a model compound, with epoxy-functionalized photochromic latex. FTIR analysis, thermal and thermo-mechanical properties were used to confirm the microstructral properties. Crystallographic analysis revealed a decrease in crystallinity of cellulose matrix and approved the incorporation of photochromic copolymer. Then stimuli-responsive papers were prepared by using pulp paper as the cellulosic matrix and their smart characteristics were studied under UV irradiation while dried or immersed into some polar and non-polar solvents. Different color changes were observed and investigated by solid-state UV–vis spectroscopy. These significant results were attributed to the efficient chemical modification and confirmed by SEM, EDX and nitrogen mapping analyses.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide
