Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Scientists have created a material called glassy gels. These materials combine properties of both glasses and gels. These unique substances possess a remarkable combination of properties: they are both highly elastic and as strong as conventional plastics, such as those used in water bottles. This new material is mostly made of liquid salt and polymers. Polymers are large molecules made up of many smaller parts linked together. The material can stretch to nearly seven times its original length. It also stays clear like glass.
What is glassy gels?
Michael Dickey and his team work at North Carolina State University. They have shown how these glassy gels can be used in different ways through their research. The study began with experiments involving ionic liquids, leading to the unexpected discovery of their extraordinary mechanical properties. The ability to stretch significantly while retaining strength opens new avenues for various technological applications.
Long-chain molecules, called polymers, combine with an ionic liquid. An ionic liquid is essentially dissolved salt. This combination forms each glassy gel. The resulting gel is a transparent solid. It can withstand pressures up to 400 times that of atmospheric pressure. This shows its robustness and flexibility.
Properties of Glassy Gels
A particularly fascinating aspect of these materials is their tunability. Researchers can change the mechanical properties. They do this by changing the ratio of the main ingredients. These main ingredients are polymers and ionic liquids. Polymers are long chains of molecules. Ionic liquids are salts in a liquid state. Changing the ratios lets them change the shapes. Some shapes become very flexible, like rubber bands. Other shapes become stiffer, more like glass.
Just by changing the ratio of two ingredients, you can get different results. If you add more of one ingredient, you get something very stretchy, like a rubber band. If you add more of the other ingredient, you get something almost as hard as glass. This is what Dickey explains.
This versatility is based on how ionic liquids interact with polymer molecules. The liquid infiltrates spaces between polymer chains, facilitating greater separation and thereby increasing elasticity. At the same time, electric charges within the liquid and polymers create forces. These forces are called electrostatic forces. They help to make the material stronger. The material does not fall apart completely when it is under pressure.
Their self-healing capability is another important feature. This means they can repair themselves when damaged. For example, if they get cut or broken, they can fix the damage using heat. This process encourages molecular reconnection at broken edges, thus restoring functionality—a feature not commonly found in traditional plastics.
Advantages of glassy gels
These properties can be much better than regular materials in certain situations. Richard Hoogenboom from Ghent University points out something important. He says we need to think carefully about temperature limits when using these materials. Materials have a limit on the temperatures they can handle, called temperature thresholds. Future research needs to make these materials better. They should only soften at the right high temperatures for their intended uses.
Closing remarks
Industries could see big changes. This includes robotics and 3D printing. For example, in robotics, soft robotic grippers could become more dexterous. Dexterous means they can move their parts precisely. In 3D printing, new materials could improve the quality of printed objects. Researchers are exploring new kinds of materials. These materials are flexible but also strong. Because of this, many fields might experience major improvements.
For further reading on this groundbreaking research into glassy gels and their applications, visit New Scientist..
For more intriguing insights into other STEM-related topics, visit ENTECH. Explore our digital magazine dedicated to inspiring teenagers and young adults to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
