Polymers and soft materials news, October 2021

New elastic material blocks gases and liquids with liquid metal

Using a liquid metal alloy, researcers have created an elastic material that is impervious to both gases and liquids.

Old approach promises new self-healing composites

self-sensing, self-healing composite could extend the life of composites used in transport and renewable energy applications

Polymer voxels prove to be natural swimmers

Researchers have designed simple repeating polymer substructures that can be used to build various deformable underwater robots.

Novel carbon fiber composite can heal when heated

Researchers have developed a new type of carbon-fiber-reinforced composite that is strong and light but can be repeatedly healed with heat.

Introducing C phase in additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V: A new oxygen-stabilized face-centred cubic solid solution with improved mechanical properties