Photopatterning Block Copolymer Enables Mechanical Enhancement

ABSTRACT Soft–hard integrated architectures provide a powerful route to mechanical enhancement, but current fabrication methods often suffer from interfacial failure and limited mechanical tunability. We propose a multiscale strategy by combining molecular photoisomerization, nanoscale phase separation, and macroscopic photopatterning in block copolymers. Molecular photoisomerization allows for reversible conformational changes from trans to cis and mechanical tuning from stiffness to soft elastics. Microphase‐separated nanodomains permit switching of hard and soft microphases and alter the energy dissipation. Macroscale photopatterning enhances the toughness and guides the cracks. This establishes a multiscale coupling paradigm of molecular response‐nanoscale dissipation‐macroscopic geometry, addressing interfacial failure and broadening the tunable mechanical region. Using kirigami cutting and conductive layer coating, the system is integrated with complex surfaces to convert mechanical deformation into electrical signals, highlighting its potential in flexible sensing and electronics.

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Publication Details

Journal
Angewandte Chemie
Published
2026-08-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.3898240
Primary Topic
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
Type
article
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article

Photopatterning Block Copolymer Enables Mechanical Enhancement

Juzhong Zhang, Haifeng Yu, Tianfu Song, Yue Wang et al.
Angewandte Chemie
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
article

Photopatterning Block Copolymer Enables Mechanical Enhancement

Juzhong Zhang, Haifeng Yu, Tianfu Song, Yue Wang, Hongchang Xiao, Feng Cai
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Soft–hard integrated architectures provide a powerful route to mechanical enhancement, but current fabrication methods often suffer from interfacial failure and limited mechanical tunability. We propose a multiscale strategy by combining molecular photoisomerization, nanoscale phase separation, and macroscopic photopatterning in block copolymers. Molecular photoisomerization allows for reversible conformational changes from trans to cis and mechanical tuning from stiffness to soft elastics. Microphase‐separated nanodomains permit switching of hard and soft microphases and alter the energy dissipation. Macroscale photopatterning enhances the toughness and guides the cracks. This establishes a multiscale coupling paradigm of molecular response‐nanoscale dissipation‐macroscopic geometry, addressing interfacial failure and broadening the tunable mechanical region. Using kirigami cutting and conductive layer coating, the system is integrated with complex surfaces to convert mechanical deformation into electrical signals, highlighting its potential in flexible sensing and electronics.

Angewandte Chemie
Ministry of Education (IR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 18%
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
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Photopatterning Block Copolymer Enables Mechanical Enhancement — Juzhong Zhang, Haifeng Yu, et al. · Angewandte Chemie (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS