New smart material that can heal itself; change shape when exposed to heat and light
Q. Recently scientists for the first time developed a smart material with several smart abilities. Which of the following abilities does the material have?
1) Self-healing
2) Shape memory behaviour
3) light-activated movement- Published on 01 Jul 16a. 2, 3
b. 1, 3
c. 1, 2
d. All of the above
ANSWER: All of the above
- This is the first time researchers have been able to combine several smart abilities, including shape memory behaviour, light-activated movement and self-healing behaviour, into one material.
- They have a variety of potential applications, such as for actuators, drug delivery systems and self-assembling devices.
- The team worked with a class of long-chain molecules, called liquid crystalline networks (LCNs), which provide order in one direction and give material unique properties.
- The researchers took advantage of the way the material changes in response to heat to induce a unique three-way shape shifting behaviour.
- The resulting material reacts to light, can remember its shape as it folds and unfolds and can heal itself when damaged.
