6 articles
Autonomous chemically fuelled molecular motor
An autonomous chemically fueled molecular motor is a synthetic molecular machine converting chemical fuel into continuous directed motion, first reported by David A. Leigh's group at Manchester in 2016.
Mechanophore
A mechanophore is a molecular unit that changes structure or color when mechanical force is applied, typically built into polymers; the best-known example, spiropyran, turns colored under load, enabling stress mapping and damage imaging in materials.
Molecular switch
A molecular switch is a molecule toggled reversibly between stable states by light, voltage, pH, or force; in a solid-state junction, the states differ in electrical conductance.
Molecular walker
A molecular walker is a molecule or assembly that moves along a track by sequentially binding and releasing feet, keeping at least one foot attached at all times.
Polymer mechanochemistry
Polymer mechanochemistry is the study of chemical reactions in polymers driven by mechanical force, using embedded force-responsive molecules called mechanophores for sensing, strengthening, and recycling.
Self-healing piezoelectric composites
Self-healing piezoelectric composites are materials combining piezoelectric function, converting mechanical stress to electric charge, with the ability to repair microcrack damage and restore that function.