Tribochromism

Tribochromism refers to a change in colour of a material caused by mechanical friction, similar to piezochromism, the change in colour of a material caused by pressure. It is a property of some materials and is often associated with thermochromism.^[1] Tribochromism and piezochromism are often grouped together under the term mechanochromism.^[2][3]

Tribochromatic materials may be used in sensors when friction has to be detected. These materials generally change colour under mechanical stress conditions; the colour gradually fades once the stress is removed.^[4]

See also

• Triboluminescence – An optical phenomenon in which light is generated when material is subject to mechanical stress