Oyster shells inspire new method to make super-strong, flexible polymers

Oyster shells inspire new method to make super-strong, flexible polymers 06/08/2017 12:46 PM EDT Researchers have demonstrated a new technique inspired by the nacre of oyster shells, a composite material that has extraordinary mechanical properties, including great strength and resilience. By changing the crystallization speed of a polymer initially well-mixed with nanoparticles, the team was able to control how the nanoparticles self-assemble into structures at three different length scale regimes. Full story at http://engineering.columbia.edu/news/sanat-kumar-nacre-polymer Source Columbia Engineering This is an NSF News From the Field item.   Follow NSF:  This email was sent using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: National Science Foundation Update · 4201 Wilson Boulevard · Arlington, VA 22230 · 703-292-5111