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Researchers in Japan recently succeeded in creating a soft and flexible material that is five times stronger than steel but feels like rubber. Such a material could have numerous applications including the development of new types of electronic devices, better protection for rockets, and even new kinds of body armor.
The material was developed by Hokkaido University researchers. The discovery was posted on the school’s international website where the team’s lead Dr. Jian Ping Gong described what made the material so strong.
“The fiber-reinforced hydrogels, with a 40 percent water level, are environmentally friendly,” Dr. Gong said. “The material has multiple potential applications because of its reliability, durability and flexibility. For example, in addition to fashion and manufacturing uses, it could be used as artificial ligaments and tendons, which are subject to strong load-bearing tensions.”
In a recent CNN report covering the new material, it was also brought up that the gel-like substance could also play a role in creating revolutionary medical techniques. Hopes of developing skin as tough as steel might still be a bit beyond science right now, however.
Even so, it’s worth noting that this is still a huge achievement for science. As Dr. Gong told the publication, this is the single strongest material that humans have ever made that is also soft and flexible. Although they have not tested it against projectiles yet, Dr. Gong commented on how well the material would hold up against getting shot.
"I think it could have very good performance against a bullet," Dr. Gong mused.
The inspiration for the material came from nature according to the lead researcher behind the project, Futurism reports. Specifically, it came from plants that would sprout when surrounded by concrete despite the clear difference in hardness. Then there’s the matter of tree roots simply ripping apart pavements or buildings made of cement.
