Fast-acting, color-changing molecular probe senses when a material is about to fail

Materials that contain special polymer molecules may someday be able to warn us when they are about to fail, researchers said. Engineers have improved their previously developed force-sensitive molecules, called mechanophores, to produce reversible, rapid and vibrant color change when a force is applied.

source https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210325150218.htm