Mechanofluorescence reveals fatigue in double-network elastomers

Fatigue often limits the mechanical lifetime of elastomers, but the mechanism of fatigue resistance in elastomers remains elusive. A team led by C. Creton studied the fatigue of double-network elastomers with mechanofluorescent crosslinks. Such crosslinks become fluorescent after rupture, visualizing both the amount and location of fatigue damage in the elastomer. The fatigue resistance increases as the damage is distributed evenly and widely. Fatigue often limits the mechanical lifetime of elastomers, but the mechanism of fatigue resistance in elastomers remains elusive. A team led by C. Creton studied the fatigue of double-network elastomers with mechanofluorescent crosslinks. Such crosslinks become fluorescent after rupture, visualizing both the amount and location of fatigue damage in the elastomer. The fatigue resistance increases as the damage is distributed evenly and widely.