Thermochromic Phenomena in Polymers

"Chromogenic polymers change their visible optical properties in response to an external stimulus. The chromogenic phenomena enable the integration of sensor and actuator functionality or any kind of information into a material. This Update focuses on thermochromic phenomena in polymers. Thermochromism can appear in all different classes of polymers: thermoplastics, duroplastics, gels, inks, paints or any type of coatings. The polymer itself, an embedded thermochromic additive or a supermolecular system built by the interaction of the polymer with an incorporated non-thermochromic additive can cause the thermochromic effect. The content of this review is structured by the thermochromic material type. At the end of each chapter the state-of-the-art of existing as well as potential future applications based on specific material classes is discussed."