Technology pull: scale-up of polymeric mechanochemical force sensors

Abstract

Polymer mechanochemistry uses mechanical forces to break and manipulate chemical bonds, driving a functional response in the material of choice, thus making it an ideal candidate for force sensing in emerging applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), bioelectronics, and wearable electronics as well as in fluid-based manufacturing; for example, bioprinting. In this review, we aim to identify the links between moiety design, matrix material choice and integration, and manufacturing processes and scale-up for polymer mechanochemistry force sensors. The interdependencies of all stages need to be monitored to ensure that the function translates effectively from the laboratory to an application. We highlight the research challenges that must be faced as the field moves towards the commercialisation of polymer mechanophore-based force sensors.