Sink-inspiration: scientists have created a new material
Glass is considered one of the most demanded materials today. But with all the advantages, the main disadvantage of glass is fragility and fragility. Inspired by the shell of a clam, researchers at McGill University have created a new kind of glass. It is much tougher and more resistant to damage than the prototype, but at the same time it has optimal transparency.
Scientists have found that the reason for the strength of the shell of the mollusk is the inner iridescent part. The structure of mother-of-pearl is similar to brickwork, in which calcium carbonate is mixed with elements of an elastic biopolymer. This compound neutralizes the occurrence of cracks inside the sink.
Scientists have already tried to imitate mother-of-pearl. To do this, using a laser, they etched microscopic cracks in the glass. The idea helped to increase the strength and impact loading of the material. But the transparency of the glass decreased during manipulation. In recent experiments, researchers have created a mother-of-pearl structure using a mixture of acrylic and glass flakes.
The team adjusted the refraction level of acrylic to be identical to that of glass. This solution made it possible to obtain a material that is strong and hard, but at the same time transparent, like real glass.
“Until recently, it was necessary to balance between such indicators as transparency, elasticity and reliability of the composition. But our material has become 3 times stronger than standard glass, and 5 times more resistant to cracking, ”- said study author Allen Ehrlicherch.
According to scientists, the development will be useful in the modern world. For example, it can be used to make displays for various electronic devices. In addition, scientists will not stop at the achieved result. In the near future, they will be working on methods of changing the color gamut and the degree of conductivity of the material.
But already now you can buy a protective glass for a smartphone screen on our website in this section.
Scientists have found that the reason for the strength of the shell of the mollusk is the inner iridescent part. The structure of mother-of-pearl is similar to brickwork, in which calcium carbonate is mixed with elements of an elastic biopolymer. This compound neutralizes the occurrence of cracks inside the sink.
Scientists have already tried to imitate mother-of-pearl. To do this, using a laser, they etched microscopic cracks in the glass. The idea helped to increase the strength and impact loading of the material. But the transparency of the glass decreased during manipulation. In recent experiments, researchers have created a mother-of-pearl structure using a mixture of acrylic and glass flakes.
The team adjusted the refraction level of acrylic to be identical to that of glass. This solution made it possible to obtain a material that is strong and hard, but at the same time transparent, like real glass.
“Until recently, it was necessary to balance between such indicators as transparency, elasticity and reliability of the composition. But our material has become 3 times stronger than standard glass, and 5 times more resistant to cracking, ”- said study author Allen Ehrlicherch.
According to scientists, the development will be useful in the modern world. For example, it can be used to make displays for various electronic devices. In addition, scientists will not stop at the achieved result. In the near future, they will be working on methods of changing the color gamut and the degree of conductivity of the material.
But already now you can buy a protective glass for a smartphone screen on our website in this section.
