UV Photosensitive PMMA‐Based Nanocomposites Micropatterned by Laser for Product Traceability and Anticounterfeiting Applications

Abstract Counterfeiting continues to generate significant criminal profits while causing substantial harm to both the economy and society. To stay ahead of counterfeiters, industries must continuously innovate and update their security technologies. In that frame, this study presents a novel patterning solution based on photoluminescent nanoparticles embedded in a widely available and cost‐effective polymer matrix: PolyMethylMethAcrylate (PMMA). These nanocomposites are sensitive to UV radiation and can be micropatterned within seconds, directly on the surface of objects of interest using industrial laser writing systems, thus enabling the creation of secured micromarkers. A key innovation of this work is the activation of UV‐induced polymerization in PMMA without the use of photoinitiators achieved here by modifying the mixing solvent. Applied on various substrate types, the resulting micromarkers demonstrate strong potential for traceability and authentication applications, owing to their scalability, versatility, and robustness in real‐world environmental conditions.