This elastic material is composed of multiple strands of polymers-complex self-assembled macromolecules. In this case, these macromolecules are shaped like long dumbbells with spherical protrusions at both ends. In a paper published in the journal Science on Friday (March 30th), the researchers wrote that these polymers can change hardness and color in response to mechanical stress.
Just like a chameleon, this substance will not change chemically when it changes color. On the contrary, these tiny protrusions at the end of the polymer will move closer or farther, thus changing the way they interact with light. [Six strange species found in the museum]
When long polymers are woven together in a cross-linked structure, the researchers wrote that they can "show the same bright color as skin tissue, extremely soft and strongly strain hardened."
Importantly, these * * * polymers are the only necessary ingredients to make this substance. There are no other necessary chemicals.
In a statement, the researchers said that "active camouflage" is the ultimate goal of the project. In other words, it is part of an effort to design a material that allows the wearer to blend into the environment in the style of a chameleon.
They also pointed out in the paper that when it is soaked in "body fluids", it will not dry or swell in the air. Life Science magazine thinks that this kind of "body fluid" is disgusting, but it is also cool.
Originally published in Life Science.