Smart materials whose mechanical properties can be changed on demand are within sight. Chinese and German scientists have designed a hybrid material that can be reversibly switched between being strong and rigid to soft and flexible by applying an electric charge. The researchers say it’s the first time anyone has been able to make such a material and could lead to more efficient manufacturing processes, as well as novel, self-healing materials. This development is touted as “breakthrough in material sciences”. The research led by Jörg Weissmüller at Hamburg University of Technology, Germany, who created the new material with Hai-Jun Jin… Login to continue

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