Reversible Dual-Stimuli-Responsive Chromic Transparent Wood Biocomposites for Smart Window Applications

Transparent wood (TW)-based composites are of significant interest for smart window applications. In this research, we demonstrate a facile dual-stimuli-responsive chromic TW where optical properties are reversibly controlled in response to changes in temperature and UV-radiation. For this functionality, bleached wood was impregnated with solvent-free thiol and ene monomers containing chromic components, consisting of a mixture of thermo- and photoresponsive chromophores, and was then UV-polymerized. Independent optical properties of individual chromic components were retained in the compositional mixture. This allowed to enhance the absolute optical transmission to 4 times above the phase change temperature. At the same time, the transmission at 550 nm could be reduced 11-77%, on exposure to UV by changing the concentration of chromic components. Chromic components were localized inside the lumen of the wood structure, and durable reversible optical properties were demonstrated by multiple cycling testing. In addition, the chromic TW composites showed reversible energy absorption capabilities for heat storage applications and demonstrated an enhancement of 64% in the tensile modulus as compared to a native thiol-ene polymer. This study elucidates the polymerization process and effect of chromic components distribution and composition on the material's performance and perspectives toward the development of smart photoresponsive windows with energy storage capabilities.