Material changes properties at the flick of a switch
by
James Urquhart, RSC
—
last modified
06-03-11 08:53 AM
Copyright 2011, RSC
Nanostructured materials could be 'tuned' to be ductile during processing and strong when in use © Science/AAAS
Chinese and German scientists have designed a hybrid material that can be reversibly switched between being strong and rigid to soft and flexible by applying an electric charge. The researchers say it's the first time anyone has been able to make such a material and could lead to more efficient manufacturing processes, as well as novel, self-healing materials. More...
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2011/June/02061104.asp
