Periodic Reporting for period 1 - COLOUR (bio-inspired full-speCtrum blOck-copoLymer phOtonic strUctuRal pigments)
Reporting period: 2022-12-01 to 2024-11-30
COLOUR project addresses the urgent need for sustainable, vibrant, and non-toxic pigments by drawing inspiration from nature most brilliant colors. Traditional synthetic pigments, widely used in coatings, cosmetics, and displays, suffer from major drawbacks such as toxicity, fading over time, and reliance on environmentally harmful production methods. In contrast, nature vivid colors often arise from structural coloration – a phenomenon where periodic nanostructures manipulate light, producing pure and durable hues without chemical pigments. To tackle these challenges, COLOUR develops bio-inspired photonic pigments based on the self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs). The project pioneers a scalable and eco-friendly fabrication process for producing pigments with unparalleled color purity, angular independence, and longevity.
COLOUR aims to transform the landscape of pigment technologies by achieving four scientific objectives:
(1) Optimizing self-assembly of BCPs to create photonic microparticles with concentric lamellae and full-spectrum tunability.
(2) Enhancing optical performance by increasing the refractive index contrast within the photonic structures using innovative organic and inorganic additives.
(3) Combining structural coloration with light absorption to reduce incoherent light scattering, ensuring deeper, more saturated colors.
(4) Developing applications of these pigments in photonic coatings and macroscopic surfaces for commercial use.
The project interdisciplinary approach integrates physics, chemistry, and materials science, leveraging cutting-edge nanotechnology and supramolecular chemistry. The expected outcomes include vibrant, non-toxic, and non-fading pigments that address societal demands for eco-friendly materials. These pigments can replace harmful synthetic dyes in industries such as cosmetics, packaging, and decorative coatings, aligning with the European Green Deal's sustainability goals.
COLOUR scalable methods have implications for European technological leadership in photonics and advanced materials. By combining innovation with sustainability, the project lays a foundation for eco-conscious manufacturing practices while fostering societal trust in green technologies. Its transformative impact extends from industry to public awareness, promoting the transition to a circular economy and reducing environmental harm.
COLOUR aims to transform the landscape of pigment technologies by achieving four scientific objectives:
(1) Optimizing self-assembly of BCPs to create photonic microparticles with concentric lamellae and full-spectrum tunability.
(2) Enhancing optical performance by increasing the refractive index contrast within the photonic structures using innovative organic and inorganic additives.
(3) Combining structural coloration with light absorption to reduce incoherent light scattering, ensuring deeper, more saturated colors.
(4) Developing applications of these pigments in photonic coatings and macroscopic surfaces for commercial use.
The project interdisciplinary approach integrates physics, chemistry, and materials science, leveraging cutting-edge nanotechnology and supramolecular chemistry. The expected outcomes include vibrant, non-toxic, and non-fading pigments that address societal demands for eco-friendly materials. These pigments can replace harmful synthetic dyes in industries such as cosmetics, packaging, and decorative coatings, aligning with the European Green Deal's sustainability goals.
COLOUR scalable methods have implications for European technological leadership in photonics and advanced materials. By combining innovation with sustainability, the project lays a foundation for eco-conscious manufacturing practices while fostering societal trust in green technologies. Its transformative impact extends from industry to public awareness, promoting the transition to a circular economy and reducing environmental harm.
COLOUR project has achieved significant progress in developing bio-inspired photonic pigments through innovative scientific methods and meticulous experimentation. These pigments, based on the self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) into concentric lamellar structures, promise vibrant, non-toxic, and non-fading coloration. Key advancements have been made across the project primary objectives:
(1) Optimizing Self-Assembly of BCPs. A robust protocol for fabricating photonic microparticles was established, employing oil-in-water emulsions to confine the self-assembly of BCPs. By systematically exploring variables such as block polymer composition, surfactants, and processing conditions, the project successfully generated photonic microparticles with concentric lamellar structures and tunable colors across the visible spectrum. These pigments exhibit high angular independence, mimicking nature structural brilliance.
(2) Enhancing Refractive Index Contrast. To achieve brighter and more vibrant colors, the refractive index contrast between the lamellar domains was increased through two innovative approaches. Organic additives with high refractive indices were selectively incorporated into one polymer domain, enhancing the color intensity without compromising structural integrity. In parallel, high-refractive-index inorganic nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide, were embedded using a co-assembly technique. These strategies significantly improved the optical properties of the photonic pigments.
(3) Combining Structural Coloration with Broadband Absorption. The project tackled the issue of light scattering, which diminishes color purity in conventional photonic pigments. By introducing small amounts of hydrophobic black dyes into the polymer matrix, incoherent light scattering was reduced, leading to enhanced color saturation. Although the fabrication of core-shell structures combining structural coloration and absorption is still under development, these alternative methods have yielded reproducible and effective results.
(4) Developing Applications in Photonic Coatings. Preliminary formulations for photonic paints were prepared using water-based binders, demonstrating the integration of these pigments into practical applications. The resulting coatings showcased vibrant, durable, and eco-friendly structural coloration. Work continues to refine the formulations to optimize their mechanical and optical properties for commercial use.
These achievements represent substantial progress toward the project goals, addressing critical challenges in pigment technology. The scalable fabrication methods and innovative designs developed in COLOUR provide a sustainable alternative to traditional dyes, with potential applications in multiple industries, including cosmetics, coatings, and advanced optical devices.
(1) Optimizing Self-Assembly of BCPs. A robust protocol for fabricating photonic microparticles was established, employing oil-in-water emulsions to confine the self-assembly of BCPs. By systematically exploring variables such as block polymer composition, surfactants, and processing conditions, the project successfully generated photonic microparticles with concentric lamellar structures and tunable colors across the visible spectrum. These pigments exhibit high angular independence, mimicking nature structural brilliance.
(2) Enhancing Refractive Index Contrast. To achieve brighter and more vibrant colors, the refractive index contrast between the lamellar domains was increased through two innovative approaches. Organic additives with high refractive indices were selectively incorporated into one polymer domain, enhancing the color intensity without compromising structural integrity. In parallel, high-refractive-index inorganic nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide, were embedded using a co-assembly technique. These strategies significantly improved the optical properties of the photonic pigments.
(3) Combining Structural Coloration with Broadband Absorption. The project tackled the issue of light scattering, which diminishes color purity in conventional photonic pigments. By introducing small amounts of hydrophobic black dyes into the polymer matrix, incoherent light scattering was reduced, leading to enhanced color saturation. Although the fabrication of core-shell structures combining structural coloration and absorption is still under development, these alternative methods have yielded reproducible and effective results.
(4) Developing Applications in Photonic Coatings. Preliminary formulations for photonic paints were prepared using water-based binders, demonstrating the integration of these pigments into practical applications. The resulting coatings showcased vibrant, durable, and eco-friendly structural coloration. Work continues to refine the formulations to optimize their mechanical and optical properties for commercial use.
These achievements represent substantial progress toward the project goals, addressing critical challenges in pigment technology. The scalable fabrication methods and innovative designs developed in COLOUR provide a sustainable alternative to traditional dyes, with potential applications in multiple industries, including cosmetics, coatings, and advanced optical devices.
COLOUR project has achieved groundbreaking results in creating bio-inspired photonic pigments, offering a sustainable, non-toxic, and vibrant alternative to conventional chemical dyes. These pigments, produced through scalable and eco-friendly fabrication methods, have demonstrated exceptional optical properties, including high brightness, angular independence, and enhanced color saturation. The successful integration of high-refractive-index materials and broadband absorbers into block copolymer-based photonic structures has addressed long-standing challenges of incoherent light scattering and limited refractive index contrast. As a result, COLOUR pigments combine structural coloration with durability and ecological benefits, marking a significant step forward in advanced materials development.
The outcomes have significant potential for impact across various domains. Environmentally, these pigments eliminate toxic components commonly found in synthetic dyes, reducing pollution and aligning with global sustainability efforts, including the European Green Deal. Their ability to maintain vivid coloration over time ensures long-lasting performance, making them highly attractive for applications in coatings, packaging, cosmetics, and advanced optical devices. The pigments also offer industrial advantages through scalable production techniques that are cost-efficient and environmentally conscious. This positions COLOUR pigments as a viable solution for industries seeking sustainable alternatives while maintaining high aesthetic and functional standards.
The project results not only advance scientific understanding but also provide a foundation for future technological innovations. The methodologies developed for fabricating photonic microparticles through confined self-assembly open pathways for novel applications, such as sensors, anti-counterfeiting materials, and light-harvesting devices. These findings also reinforce Europe’s leadership in photonic and advanced materials research, fostering new economic opportunities and market segments.
Despite these achievements, further efforts are needed to ensure widespread adoption and impact. Continued research is essential to refine the scalability of production methods, enhance the mechanical and optical performance of coatings, and fully realize the potential of core-shell architectures. Demonstration projects and pilot-scale production will be critical to bridge the gap between laboratory results and market-ready solutions. Collaborations with industrial partners and access to financial resources will facilitate this transition, while intellectual property protection will safeguard the innovative aspects of COLOUR findings.
COLOUR impact extends beyond its immediate scientific and technical achievements. By introducing a sustainable alternative to harmful synthetic dyes, it addresses critical environmental and societal challenges while unlocking new possibilities for industrial applications. The project lays the groundwork for a future where vibrant, eco-friendly materials are the norm, showcasing the transformative power of innovation guided by sustainability principles.
The outcomes have significant potential for impact across various domains. Environmentally, these pigments eliminate toxic components commonly found in synthetic dyes, reducing pollution and aligning with global sustainability efforts, including the European Green Deal. Their ability to maintain vivid coloration over time ensures long-lasting performance, making them highly attractive for applications in coatings, packaging, cosmetics, and advanced optical devices. The pigments also offer industrial advantages through scalable production techniques that are cost-efficient and environmentally conscious. This positions COLOUR pigments as a viable solution for industries seeking sustainable alternatives while maintaining high aesthetic and functional standards.
The project results not only advance scientific understanding but also provide a foundation for future technological innovations. The methodologies developed for fabricating photonic microparticles through confined self-assembly open pathways for novel applications, such as sensors, anti-counterfeiting materials, and light-harvesting devices. These findings also reinforce Europe’s leadership in photonic and advanced materials research, fostering new economic opportunities and market segments.
Despite these achievements, further efforts are needed to ensure widespread adoption and impact. Continued research is essential to refine the scalability of production methods, enhance the mechanical and optical performance of coatings, and fully realize the potential of core-shell architectures. Demonstration projects and pilot-scale production will be critical to bridge the gap between laboratory results and market-ready solutions. Collaborations with industrial partners and access to financial resources will facilitate this transition, while intellectual property protection will safeguard the innovative aspects of COLOUR findings.
COLOUR impact extends beyond its immediate scientific and technical achievements. By introducing a sustainable alternative to harmful synthetic dyes, it addresses critical environmental and societal challenges while unlocking new possibilities for industrial applications. The project lays the groundwork for a future where vibrant, eco-friendly materials are the norm, showcasing the transformative power of innovation guided by sustainability principles.