A team of researchers at Sandia National Laboratories has developed a groundbreaking molecule that, when added to polymers, significantly enhances their durability by making them more similar to metals in terms of their ability to withstand temperature fluctuations. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, as polymers are used in various applications, including electronics, communications systems, solar panels, automotive parts, circuit boards, aerospace designs, defense systems, and flooring.
Polymers are commonly used in daily life due to their low cost, low density, good thermal and electrical insulation properties, and high resistance to corrosion. However, exposure to heat and cold over time causes materials, including polymers, to expand and contract, leading to deterioration. Unlike metals and ceramics, which contract less under these conditions, polymers are more susceptible to damage.
To address this issue, the research team modified a molecule that, when added to a polymer, increases its durability and makes it behave more like metal. The unique feature of this molecule is that when it is subjected to heat, it undergoes a change in shape, resulting in contraction rather than expansion. When incorporated into a polymer, it reduces the polymer’s contraction, bringing it closer to the expansion and contraction values observed in metals.
The catalyst for developing this game-changing molecule was the complaints received from Sandia customers regarding the fragility of smartphones. These devices consist of various materials, each reacting differently to temperature changes. The differing expansion and contraction rates of these materials can result in stress, causing cracks or warping over time.
The potential applications of this molecule are vast, as it not only solves existing issues but also opens up new design possibilities for future innovations. The ability to introduce the molecule into different parts of a polymer at varying percentages during 3D printing allows for customized thermal behaviors in different areas of an item. Additionally, the molecule eliminates the need for heavy fillers, reducing the weight of materials. This weight reduction is particularly significant in aerospace applications, where each gram saved contributes to overall efficiency.
While the molecule has shown promising results, production on a larger scale remains a challenge. Currently, it takes approximately 10 days to produce a small quantity of the molecule. The research team is working on scaling up production methods to meet wider adoption needs. The goal is to optimize the synthesis process to reduce time and cost, making it more economically viable for large-scale applications.
Despite these challenges, the researchers are optimistic about the potential impact of this molecule on various industries. Its unique properties and versatility make it an exciting technology with numerous potential applications. The team is eager to explore the possibilities and associated benefits that this groundbreaking technology can bring.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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