Northwestern University researchers develop the first 2D mechanically interlocked material, boasting exceptional strength, flexibility, and scalability. The chainmail-inspired polymer, containing 100 trillion mechanical bonds per square centimeter, shows promise for lightweight body armor, ballistic fabrics, and advanced composites.
A Northwestern University-led research team has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in material science by developing the first two-dimensional (2D) mechanically interlocked material. This novel nanoscale material, resembling the interlocking links of chainmail, exhibits exceptional flexibility and strength.
The researchers created this remarkable material using a new, highly efficient, and scalable polymerization process, resulting in a material with an unprecedented 100 trillion mechanical bonds per 1 square centimeter. This density of mechanical bonds surpasses any previously achieved, contributing to the material's exceptional toughness. The key to this breakthrough lies in the unique structure of the material. It begins with X-shaped monomers, the building blocks of polymers, arranged into a highly ordered crystalline structure. These crystals are then reacted with another molecule to create bonds between the molecules within the crystal. This process results in layers and layers of 2D interlocked polymer sheets, where the ends of the X-shaped monomers are bonded to the ends of other X-shaped monomers. Even more monomers are threaded through the gaps between existing monomers, further enhancing the material's strength and resilience.Despite its rigid structure, the polymer is surprisingly flexible. Researchers discovered that dissolving the polymer in a solution causes the layers of interlocked monomers to peel off from each other. This characteristic enables manipulation of the individual sheets, opening up possibilities for diverse applications. Collaborators at Cornell University, led by Professor David Muller, utilized cutting-edge electron microscopy techniques to examine the structure at the nanoscale. The images revealed the polymer's high degree of crystallinity, confirming its interlocked structure, and indicating its high flexibility. Importantly, the new material can be produced in large quantities, a significant advantage over previous polymers containing mechanical bonds, which were typically prepared in very small quantities using methods that were difficult to scale up. Dichtel's team envisions several potential applications for this groundbreaking material. Its inherent strength and flexibility suggest promising uses in lightweight body armor and ballistic fabrics. Collaborations with researchers at Duke University, led by Professor Matthew Becker, have already demonstrated the material's potential to enhance the strength and toughness of Ultem, a high-performance material known for its resistance to extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals. By incorporating just 2.5% of the 2D polymer into a 97.5% Ultem fiber composite, researchers observed a dramatic increase in the overall strength and toughness of the composite material. Future research will continue to explore the full potential of this new material, paving the way for innovative applications in various fields
Mechanically Interlocked Polymer 2D Material Nanotechnology Strength Flexibility Lightweight Armor Composites
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Breakthrough new material brings affordable, sustainable future within graspResearchers have developed a new material for sodium-ion batteries, sodium vanadium phosphate, that delivers higher voltage and greater energy capacity than previous sodium-based materials. This breakthrough could make sodium-ion batteries a more efficient and affordable alternative to lithium-ion, using a more abundant and cost-effective resource.
Read more »
Sodium-ion batteries hit 458 Wh/kg: Breakthrough material closes gap with lithiumDeveloped by an international team of interdisciplinary researchers, the material could boost the energy performance of sodium batteries.
Read more »
Chinese Space Station Experiments Yield Breakthrough Material for Hypersonic VehiclesScientists at China's Tiangong space station have developed a new niobium-silicon alloy that could revolutionize hypersonic technology. The breakthrough material can withstand extreme temperatures, a major hurdle for hypersonic engines.
Read more »
Breakthrough in 2D Material Growth Opens Doors to Cleaner Energy and Next-Generation TechnologyAn international research team has pioneered a new technique to identify and characterize atomic-scale defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a two-dimensional (2D) material. Using commercially available tabletop lasers, researchers created tiny, atomically sharp nanostructures in samples of hBN. This breakthrough paves the way for advancements in cleaner energy and next-generation technologies.
Read more »
Kylie Jenner Wears Liz Hurley's Iconic Chainmail Dress at Golden GlobesKylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet made a stylish appearance at the Golden Globe Awards. Jenner wore a vintage Versace chainmail dress previously worn by Liz Hurley in 1999, referencing a legendary fashion moment.
Read more »
Kylie Jenner Channels Elizabeth Hurley's Iconic Versace Chainmail Dress at Golden GlobesKylie Jenner paid homage to Elizabeth Hurley's 1990s style by wearing a Versace chainmail dress to the 2025 Golden Globes. The dress, a vintage piece from the Spring/Summer 1999 collection, closely resembled the one Hurley famously wore to the 1999 CFDA Awards. Jenner's look echoed Hurley's minimalist approach, forgoing additional jewelry to let the dress shine.
Read more »