materials science

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Aarhus University have demonstrated that introducing a certain level of disorder into material structures can significantly enhance their toughness. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Nexus, reveal that disordered mechanical metamaterials can be up to 2.6 times more resistant to cracking. This discovery challenges traditional engineering principles, paving the way for stronger, more resilient materials in various industries.