A Revolutionary Breakthrough
Caltech’s engineering department has recently made an exciting breakthrough that could change our understanding of materials science.
Led by Director Chiara Daraio, her team has introduced a novel type of matter that defies conventional classification.
Properties of Polycatenated Architectured Materials (PAMs)
These new materials, called polycatenated architectured materials (PAMs), exhibit a fascinating duality in their behavior.
Under compression, they act like sturdy crystalline solids, boasting a strong lattice structure.
Yet, when lateral or shear forces come into play, PAMs behave like granules—think of the flow of sand or rice.
They adapt and rearrange themselves with remarkable fluidity, lending them unique properties.
Daraio likens this phenomenon to the automatic locking mechanism of a car seatbelt: PAMs only revert to their granular state once all compressive forces have been completely released.
Traditionally, materials have been classified into solids, which are seen as crystalline lattices, and granular materials made up of individual, movable particles.
PAMs intriguingly bridge this gap, combining the interconnectedness of crystalline solids with the free movement typical in granular matter.
Innovative Design and Applications
What sets PAMs apart is their innovative design approach.
Instead of using static particles at the joints, the researchers employed linked particles, allowing for dynamic movement and the potential for countless configurations.
This design process draws an analogy to medieval chain mail, which effectively absorbs and distributes force—similar to how PAMs manage incoming energy.
Using advanced 3D printing techniques, Daraio’s team experimented with various materials, ranging from metals to acrylic polymers.
They began their research journey with systematic compression tests, gradually increasing the pressure, and followed up with shear tests that simulated tearing.
Their analysis also included rheology tests to evaluate how the materials respond to twisting motions at different speeds and intensities.
Daraio considers this groundbreaking work to represent a transformative new class of matter that can be adapted into flexible or metallic forms, depending on specific applications.
The potential applications for PAMs are vast and varied.
They promise to make a mark in diverse fields such as soft robotics, biomedical technology, and protective insulative gear, where their unique attributes could drive innovative solutions and products.
This pioneering discovery opens the door to a new era in materials science, brimming with possibilities for creativity and advancement.
Source: Goodnewsnetwork