Bouligand structure cellulose photonic hydrogels enable impact-resistant bioplastics, ceramic armor, and biomimetic alloy composites

https://phys.org/news/2025-03-highly-robust-reconfigurable-mechanochromic-cellulose.html

"highly robust, dynamically responsive/ reconfigurable, mechanochromic, multi-level active interfaces... based on cellulose nanocrystal self-assembly properties... precise network matrix alignment control through nanofiber sliding/ hydrogen bond reconstruction, driven by water-activated hydrogen bonding interactions... compared with original hydrogel: 5X tougher, >9.5X more stretchable... dynamic color-changing abilities, switching reversibly between red/ blue maintaining stable electromechanical sensitivity... smart photonics"