A team of Australian researchers has made a major breakthrough in understanding flexible crystalline materials, paving the way for stronger, more adaptable building materials and advanced technologies. The study, conducted by scientists from The University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), was published in Nature Materials.
Their findings reveal the molecular mechanics behind elasticity, providing crucial knowledge that could lead to innovations in aerospace engineering, electronics, and construction materials.
The Science Behind Elastic Crystals
The research team, led by Professor Jack Clegg from UQ’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, examined the restoring force that allows flexible crystals to return to their original shape after being bent.
“Elasticity is a property that underpins a myriad of existing technologies, including optical fibers, airplane components, and load-bearing bridges,” said Professor Clegg.
To uncover the mechanisms behind this elasticity, the team:
- Studied fine, flexible crystals, including one developed at UQ that can be tied in a knot.
- Measured how intermolecular interactions changed under compressive and expansive strain.
- Identified the energy storage process that allows these crystals to snap back into shape.
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Their results showed that potential energy is stored in the molecular interactions inside the bent crystal. When the stress is released, these molecules reorganize and rotate, restoring the crystal to its original shape.
A Small Crystal, a Powerful Force
One of the most striking findings was just how much energy these crystals can store.
“We were able to show that enough energy was stored in our bent flexible crystals to lift something 30 times the weight of the crystal a meter into the air,” Professor Clegg explained.
This suggests that elastic crystals could be harnessed for high-performance applications, such as:
- Stronger, lighter materials for spacecraft and aviation.
- Flexible electronics that can withstand extreme bending.
- Next-generation construction materials that are more resilient to stress and strain.
A New Frontier for Materials Science
According to Professor John McMurtrie from QUT, the research method used in this study could be applied to millions of other crystalline materials that are already known, as well as those yet to be discovered.
“Elasticity is fundamental to life and technology, allowing animals to move and skyscrapers to stand up,” Professor McMurtrie said. “But the molecular origin of this property has remained elusive—until now.”
This discovery could redefine our understanding of materials and unlock new possibilities in engineering and technology. As scientists continue to explore the potential of flexible crystals, we may soon see game-changing advancements in fields ranging from robotics to sustainable architecture.
With this new understanding of elasticity at the molecular level, the future of smart materials and high-performance structures looks more flexible than ever.
