MIT develops nanotechnology for tear-resistant fabrics

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a polymer nanocomposite with the elasticity and strength characteristics of spider silk that can be used in packaging materials, tear-resistant fabrics, and biomedical devices.

It is reported that because the US military is very interested in the application of such materials in tear-proof molds or other body protection equipment, it has passed the MIT Military Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies and the National Science Foundation ( National Science Foundation provided funding for the study.

MIT researchers have developed a method of embedding Nano Clay in an elastic polymer by dissolving Clay Chips in water to make the water a solvent and dissolve the polyurethane. (Polyurethane), and the polymer is dissolved to form a new mixed material, and finally the solvent is removed.

The end result is that the hardened granular nanoclay composite is dispersed in a stronger and tougher elastic matrix, and the lamellar nanoclay is randomly distributed in the material, so that the nanocomposite produced is Heating to temperatures above 150 degrees Celsius is also minimal deformation.

The U.S. military is also interested in using the nanocomposite to replace the heavy and bulky packaging currently used by the US military ready-to-eat (MREs).

In addition, fabric manufacturers have also expressed interest in the nanocomposite materials, which can be made into similar fibers such as nylon fibers or Lycra.

The new nanocomposite fabrication method can also be applied to biocompatible polymers and can be used to manufacture coronary stents (STENT) used in cardiac catheterization surgery, as well as other biomedical devices. Although engineers have been able to produce elastic or strength materials, it has been difficult to produce both elastic and strength materials.

In the past, scientists have determined that the secret of combining the elasticity and strength properties of spider silk lies in strengthening the arrangement of the nanocrystals of the spider silk, while the elasticity and strength are derived from the enhancement of nanocrystals.

Reprinted from: China Textile Import & Export Chamber of Commerce