Rewritable photochromic 2-anthraquinonecarboxylic acid-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) film for information storage

Photoresponsive functional materials, especially photochromic materials, have recently emerged as key players in advancing cutting-edge optical applications. The photochromic film AQ-2-COOH-PMMA was prepared by introducing 2-anthraquinonecarboxylic acid ( AQ-2-COOH ) into the poly(methyl methacrylate) ( PMMA ) matrix. The AQ-2-COOH-PMMA film immediately exhibits a distinct color change (300 ms) under 365 nm UV light, demonstrating rapid photo-induced patterning ability and fine image formation. The images on the film exhibit reversible behavior. When heated in a 110 °C oven for 10 min, the written pattern is completely erased. The film exhibits excellent fatigue resistance, maintaining reproducible coloring-decolorization behavior for at least 10 consecutive cycles without significant performance degradation. This work provides a cost-effective, feasible and efficient strategy for developing information storage materials with rapid light response capability, excellent thermal reversibility and anti-fatigue properties.