“Glassy gels” are a major innovation in the field of materials. As strong as plastic but five times more elastic, these new super-elastic and self-healing gels could become key components in 3D printing and soft robots.
A new era for stretch materials
“Glassy gels” are distinguished by their unique composition: although they contain between 50 and 60% liquid, they do not dry out or evaporate. These materials can withstand immense pressures and stretch up to five times their original shape without breaking. This property makes them ideal for applications requiring both flexibility and durability.
Materials with unique properties
These innovative gels, developed by researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU), combine the best features of hard contact lenses and gel lenses. Unlike hard contact lenses, these new materials are much more comfortable and breathable, while still maintaining great durability.
Simple and efficient manufacturing process
The manufacture of “glassy gels” is relatively simple and can be carried out by molding or 3D printing. Michael Dickey, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at NCSU, explains that the manufacturing process begins by mixing a liquid vitreous polymer precursor with a liquid solvent composed of ions. This solution is then poured into a mold and hardened using ultraviolet light.
Promising applications in various fields
The unique properties of glassy gels give them a wide range of potential applications:
Understanding the behavior of “glassy gels”
Dickey and his team found that adding a solvent to a polymer generally causes the polymer chains to separate, making the polymer soft and stretchy. However, in the case of glassy gels, the solvent ions are strongly attracted to the polymer, preventing the polymer chains from moving, which gives the gel its hardness while retaining its elasticity.
Charged or polar polymers are most effective for making these gels because they are attracted to ionic liquids. However, although researchers understand how these ionic attractions work, it remains a mystery why glassy gels are so adhesive.
A promising future for “glassy gels”
Glassy gels are still in the development phase, but the research team is confident about their potential in manufacturing and engineering applications. They are actively looking for new collaborators to explore and develop these innovative materials. Their unique properties could revolutionize various sectors, from 3D printing to medical devices to industrial adhesives.
This discovery opens exciting new perspectives for the future of stretchable and adhesive materials, providing innovative and versatile solutions for many technological challenges.
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