New "glassy gel" materials are strangely strong, stretchy and sticky
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed glassy gels, combining glassy polymers' strength with gels' flexibility. These materials stretch up to five times their length, self-heal, conduct electricity, and have adhesive properties. Simple manufacturing process.
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Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new class of materials called "glassy gels" that combine the strength of glassy polymers with the flexibility of gels. These materials can stretch up to five times their original length without breaking and return to their original shape when heated. The glassy gels are created by combining liquid precursor molecules of glassy polymers with an ionic liquid, resulting in a material that is both strong and stretchable. Despite being over 54% liquid by weight, these glassy gels exhibit impressive mechanical properties similar to thermoplastics, such as high fracture strength and toughness. Additionally, they can self-heal, conduct electricity efficiently, and have an adhesive surface. The manufacturing process for these materials is straightforward, involving curing in a mold or 3D printing. While the specific applications of glassy gels are still being explored, their unique properties make them a promising material for various uses in the future.
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