Stretch to scatter : mechanically tunable haze in silica nanofibers - polymer composite films

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A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
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Authors

Date

2026-03-15

Department

Department of Applied Physics

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Mcode

Degree programme

Language

en

Pages

9

Series

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Volume 706, pp. 1-9

Abstract

High-haze materials have been widely used in optical and photonic applications, yet most exhibit fixed internal structures with static haze levels, limiting their adaptability across different usage scenarios. Here, we report a facile strategy to fabricate strain-dependent tunable high-haze films by blending silica nanofibers (NFs) into a polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SEBS) matrix. The composite SEBS/NF films exhibit increasing light scattering and haze with the NF content, reaching up to 94 %. Upon mechanical stretching, the absence of chemical bonding between the rigid NFs and flexible SEBS allows interfacial sliding, generating nanoscale cavities. These cavities significantly amplify the internal refractive index mismatch, leading to a reversible and strain-dependent enhancement of haze. In addition, the inherent hydrophobicity of SEBS promises environmental stability and anti-fouling properties, enabling robust performance in underwater conditions. Together, these features position the SEBS/NF films as promising candidates for multi-functional optical systems, including underwater light diffusers and adaptive light management devices.

Description

| openaire: EC/H2020/742829/EU//DRIVEN | openaire: EC/HE/101142496/EU//Dyna-Mat

Keywords

Light scattering, Multi-functional optical systems, SEBS, Silica nanofibers, Strain-dependent haze

Other note

DOI

10.1016/j.jcis.2025.139573

Citation

Lin, Z, Hong, X, Ikkala, O & Peng, B 2026, 'Stretch to scatter : mechanically tunable haze in silica nanofibers - polymer composite films', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, vol. 706, 139573, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2025.139573

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202512109027

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[article-cris] Perustieteiden korkeakoulu / SCI