Scientists at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln have developed a new type of superstrong nanofiber, which could eventually be used to create stronger and tougher objects, from bulletproof vests to bicycle frames. The new nanofiber is said to be even stronger than spider silk, one of the strongest and toughest materials found on Earth.
The team, lead by professor Yuris Dzenis, was able to produce these incredibly thin polyacrilonitrile nanofibers through a technique called electrospinning. This involves taking a high level of voltage to a polymer solution, which eventually ejects a jet of liquid which results in a continuous length of the desired nanofiber. By making the fibers thinner than usual, the fibers have lower crystallinity, meaning that the fibers have a looser structure at a molecular level. This, in turn, allows the fiber to absorb more energy, adding toughness to the strands of material. While some fibers might have the strength to lift heavy objects, they were not tough enough to resist breaking. This new nanofiber, however, is tough enough to withstand heavy loads without breaking.
This new nanofiber can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, it could be used to create even stronger bulletproof vests. Kevlar, the material used in most bulletproof vests, can lose it's ability to absorb and catch a bullet's energy after multiple shots to the vest. This new fiber, with it's added toughness, could potentially prevent that wear and tear, and be lighter than kevlar.
In addition, this nanofiber could be used for a variety of projects that require carrying loads of any weight. From airplane hulls to ultra-lightweight bike frames, this new material can be used to reduce the weight of an object, while delivering the same or greater load bearing qualities as other material. With the added flexibility, it could mean less risk for breakage and other disasters.
Read more at JournalStar.com.
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