Opal is a unique gemstone known for its remarkable color-changing properties. This natural phenomenon occurs due to the presence of water and the arrangement of tiny silicon spheres within its structure. Inspired by this, scientists from the University of Cambridge and the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany have developed a synthetic material that mimics the nanostructure of opal. The result is a flexible, vibrant material that not only retains its color over time but also changes hues when stretched. This innovative material holds great potential across various industries.
To create what they call "polymer opals," researchers replaced the silicon spheres with nanoparticles. These particles are linked together to form a thin, durable layer with a flexible outer shell. The shell adds elasticity, allowing the internal structure to reflect light in a way that produces specific colors. The exact shade depends on the size of the polymer opal's particles. By stretching or rotating the material, the distance between the particles changes, altering the wavelength of the reflected light and thus the perceived color. As seen in the video, the material’s color shifts gradually as it is stretched.
This material has promising applications in mechanical strain sensors, where color changes can visually indicate stress or deformation in objects. It could also serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional dyes in the textile industry, offering durability without fading. Moreover, it’s non-toxic and safer than many conventional materials. From a security perspective, this technology could replace holograms on currency, making counterfeiting more difficult due to its unique and hard-to-replicate optical properties.
Researchers are currently working on producing single-layer polymer opals that can display different colors in different areas. They are also seeking partnerships to bring this technology to market. With its versatility, sustainability, and visual appeal, we’re excited about the future possibilities of this innovation and how it might soon become part of everyday life.
Brass is a special copper alloy. Brass is an object made of an alloy of copper and zinc. It gets its name from its yellow color. Brass with 56% to 68% copper has a melting point of 934 to 967 degrees. Brass has good mechanical properties and wear resistance. Because of its unique advantages, it has become an important part of the parts manufacturing industry. It is generally used for precision copper parts such as automobile parts, medical parts and electrical parts.
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