Fabrication of Elastic Color-Changing Films—Elastomer Films Incorporating Mechanochromic Fluorenylidene–Acridane

A pressure-sensitive elastomer film incorporating fluorenylidene-acridane (FA) in its folded conformation was successfully developed for use in pressure-sensitive applications. The elastomer network was swollen with acetone, creating space to accommodate FA molecules. Although FA dissolved in acetone and adopted a twisted conformer, a solvent exchange process with methanol facilitated the reprecipitation of FA in its yellow folded conformation within the elastomer matrix. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the incorporation of FA in its folded form within the matrix, while film stretching testing and water resistance analyses highlighted the film's durability. The film exhibited a reversible color change upon mechanical pressure, reverting back to yellow when treated with methanol. This approach presents a promising method for the integration of FA into elastomer films, with potential applications in flexible mechanical sensors and other responsive materials.