Scientists at UK-based University of Leeds recently discovered a new synthetic material, referred to as liquid crystal elastomer, that actually gets thicker the more it is stretched. Composed of the same liquid crystal material used in most flatscreen monitors and televisions, the liquid crystal elastomer could prove to have intriguing real-world possibilities ranging from medical uses to futuristic body armor.
According to Dr. Devesh Mistry from Leeds’ School of Physics and Astronomy, the "behavior of increasing in thickness as a material is stretched is known as ‘auxetic’ behavior." Other examples of auxetic behavior include cat skin, tendons in the human body and the protective layer in mussel shells. Liquid crystal elastomer isn't the first synthetically created auxetic material but it is the first to be produced in a manner that is cost-effective and not time-consuming.
Ingenious Stretchable Materials
Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actually Gets Thicker as It Stretches
Trend Themes
1. Auxetic Material Innovation - The development of liquid crystal elastomer auxetic materials presents opportunities for new applications in medicine, protective equipment, and construction.
2. Cost-effective Materials - The discovery of new materials like liquid crystal elastomer shows potential for the development of cost-effective materials with unique capabilities.
3. Adaptive Materials - Liquid crystal elastomer and other adaptive materials like it have the potential to revolutionize industries by providing more flexible and durable products that adapt to the environment.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Industry - The medical industry can benefit from the development of liquid crystal elastomer for prosthetics and medical devices that need to conform and adapt to the patient's body.
2. Defense Industry - Auxetic materials like liquid crystal elastomer hold potential uses in protective equipment and body armor for military and law enforcement purposes.
3. Construction Industry - In the construction industry, materials like liquid crystal elastomer could be used for innovative building designs that adapt to the environment and provide more durability and sustainability.