Elastic materials have been used by humans for millennia, from rubber bands to aeroplanes and buildings. However, scientists had yet to understand the underlying mechanism behind their elasticity. A new study published in Nature Materials has shed light on how flexible crystals can give rise to elasticity.
Researchers discovered that weak interactions between molecules in these crystals allow them to bend without breaking. The key to this flexibility lies in the subtle compromise made by the individual interactions within the crystal, which are not strongly aligned with its structure when bent. This lack of strong resistance enables the crystal to return to its original shape after deformation.
The study used X-ray diffraction and computer modeling to analyze the molecular interactions within these flexible crystals. The results show that the energy stored in a bent crystal is enough to lift a mass 30 times its own weight, similar to the elastic energy released when drawing an arrow with a bow.
While these findings are not yet ready for use in building bridges or skyscrapers, they could lead to new ways of designing components for aerospace, electronic devices, and even smart devices. The breakthrough provides insight into Robert Hooke’s 300-year-old model of elasticity, offering a deeper understanding of how materials can return to their original shape after deformation.
Source: https://theconversation.com/crystals-cant-bend-or-can-they-new-research-sheds-light-on-elusive-flexible-crystals-248141