Dual-Stimuli-Responsive Material Based on Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Polymer: A Platform for Information Storage and Braille Writing

Cholesteric liquid crystal polymers (CLCPs) have attracted significant attention from researchers due to their controllable nanohelical reflective structures, which do not require complex and precise nanofabrication techniques. However, the strong covalent polymer network inherent in CLCPs typically allows them to respond to only a single stimulus. Achieving multistimulus responsiveness often involves compounding with other materials, which greatly limits the broad application of CLCPs. Therefore, developing a CLCP capable of responding to multiple stimuli is of critical importance. In this study, we prepared a photonic polymer film with dual strain and humidity responsiveness by introducing a cross-linking agent and a monoacrylate molecule with a carboxylic acid end group into a conventional CLCP system. This photonic polymer film exhibits reversible wavelength changes and excellent antifatigue properties within specific strain and humidity ranges. As a single-structure dual-stimuli-responsive material, we developed and demonstrated its applications in multilevel devices, such as dual-responsive colorful patterns, information encryption, information storage, humidity-based anticounterfeiting labels, and Braille writing boards. The findings presented in this study are expected to provide insights for developing advanced functional materials that integrate multiple stimuli, with potential applications in sensing, displays, anticounterfeiting, information storage, and actuators.