Novel functional materials with both electrorheological performance and luminescence property

Abstract Novel functional composite materials based on chitosan (CTS), composites with both electrorheological (ER) performance and luminescence property have been synthesized by a very simple grinding method. The biocompatible chitosan, as well as the Tb(NO3)3·6H2O, La(NO3)3·6H2O and sulphosalicylic acid (C7H6O6S·2H2O, SSA) were chosen as starting materials. The composition, ER performance, luminescence property and dielectric property of the materials have been studied. Our results show that sulphosalicylic acid (SSA) and the rare earth (RE = Tb, La) complexes (TbSSA, TbLaSSA) in the material may enhance the ER performance of chitosan. The material (CTSTbSSA) containing the complex (TbSSA) of Tb3+ ion has the highest ER activity among the studied materials. The composition and structure of the RE complexes are the dominant factors in improving the ER effect. The materials (CTSTbSSA, CTSTbLaSSA) containing the RE complexes exhibit fine luminescence performance. The material with both ER activity and luminescence performance is a novel multifunction material which would have the prospect of a wide application.