Polymer Opals Change Color When Stretched

Jun-08-13 A new material based on the structure of opals is able to change color when stretched, and could have applications in both the textile and engineering industries.

Developed by a team from the University of Cambridge, the “polymer opals” were inspired the by nanostructure of the natural opal. The team replaced the silica spheres of the opal with rubber-shelled nanoparticles able to link together to create a thin, flexible sheet. The internal structure of the sheet will reflect light in to produce a different color depending upon how the material has been stretched or twisted.

The polymer opal material has applications as a mechanical strain sensor as well as an alternative to toxic, textile dyes.

More Info about this Invention:

[DISCOVERY.COM]
[UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE]

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