Developing a New Material with Adaptive Durability
Researchers at the University of California have discovered a special material that toughens up when hit or stretched, known as ‘adaptive durability’. This innovative material opens up possibilities for various applications in the field of wearable technology and prosthetics.
Inspiration from Corn Starch
The new material is inspired by the behavior of corn starch in cooking. Similar to how corn starch can act like a solid when stirred or punched quickly, this material exhibits similar properties of transitioning between fluid and solid states.
Science Behind Adaptive Durability
- When cornstarch is squished, its particles repel each other, behaving like a fluid.
- Rapid impacts on the surface create friction, causing the material to act like a solid.
- By combining positively and negatively charged polymers, researchers created a material with super-small structures resembling miniature meatballs.
The material, consisting of complex components like poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid), polyaniline, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), exhibits enhanced durability and conductivity.
Applications of the New Material
If successfully manufactured at scale, this material could revolutionize the design of various products:
- Smartwatch bands
- Wearable sensors
- Health monitors
- Artificial limbs
Researchers are optimistic about the potential applications of this material and are eager to explore its unconventional properties further.
