Temperature-driven colorful switching inks have been
an interesting
security encoding method to improve the anticounterfeiting properties
of commercially available merchandise. Recently, thermochromic inks
have faced many disadvantages, such as low efficiency, high cost,
and low durability. In the current study, we developed self-healable
ink from poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPSA)
integrated with the anthocyanidin(ACY)-based red-cabbage extract in
the presence of ferrous sulfate for authentication purposes. Self-healable
inks have been able to guarantee durability and thermal stability.
Environmentally friendly, ACY-based chromophore was extracted from Brassica oleracea L. var. Capitata (red-cabbage)
to serve as a spectroscopic probe immobilized into PAMPSA. The prepared
self-healable nanocomposite ink (PAMPSA-ACY) displayed temperature-induced
chromism with high reversibility and thermal stability. Different
self-healable nanocomposite inks of thermochromic features were prepared
employing different ratios of the ACY-based red-cabbage extract. As
described by Commission Internationale de L’éclairage
Lab coordinates, homogeneous films were stamped on the paper surface
to show a purple color (631 nm) able to switch color into red (458
nm) with the increase in temperature from 25 to 65 °C, respectively.
Transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectra (FT-IR), energy-dispersive
X-ray, and scanning electron microscopy were utilized to inspect the
morphological behavior and chemical compositions of thermochromic
prints. Both mechanical and rheological properties of ink-printed
paper substrates and ink solution were also investigated. Both of
antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity study of the nanocomposite
ink (PAMPSA-ACY) were also evaluated. Various industries can take
the advantage of the current ink as a competent approach for anticounterfeiting
purposes.