Mechanically tunable fluorescence emission and patterned image of a conjugated polymer with an intramolecular stacking structure in an elastomeric silicone rubber matrix

A hybrid film that exhibits reversible fluorescence (FL) is prepared by embedding a conjugated polymer, having an intramolecular stacking structure of the side phenyl rings, in a highly dispersed state into a silicone elastomer. The hybrid film experiences significant FL quenching during stretching and restores its original FL when the external stress is removed. In particular, the hybrid film manufactured using a shadow-masked, plasma-treated silicone elastomer provides a high-resolution FL image, which disappears when the film is stretched and reappears when the external stress is removed. The hybrid film can be applied as a strain-gauge sensor or a security film with embedded images that can be mechanically erased and regenerated. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)