Methanol-detection by acrylate-based composite polymer film actuation

We demonstrate a proof-of-concept approach for VOC detection based on the mechanical bending of acrylate-based composite polymer films. Under ambient conditions, methanol vapours induce a rapid and reversible defor- mation of the film, which is optically observable and quantitatively described through a viscoelastic three-parameter solid model coupled to pseudo-first- order adsorption kinetics. The bending response differs markedly between methanol, water, and mixed vapours, revealing a strong dependence on sur- face adsorption dynamics. The acrylate backbone is identified as the active sensing layer, capable of transducing molecular interactions into macroscopic deflection. These findings establish acrylate polymers as a simple, low-cost platform for passive VOC-responsive materials and highlight their potential for future development into calibrated sensing devices.