FLEXIBLE GLASSES - INSPIRATION FROM SEASHELLS

An ultra-durable glass inspired by seashells has been developed by scientists from McGill University in Montreal (Canada).

Inspired by nature, the team created a composite of glass and acrylic that mimics the nacre of a mollusk. He explained that the seashells have the hardness of solid material and the strength of a soft material. Nacre is composed of bits of hard material interspersed with soft, highly elastic proteins. This construction provides exceptional strength, making the nacre 3,000 times more resilient than its constituent material.

Nacre is composed of bits of hard material interspersed with soft, highly elastic proteins.

 McGill Structure of the new glass (A) and mother-of-pearl (B)

These natural materials have durable, perfect designs that are always practical for people to use. In particular, even though it is glass, the new materials will have the same elasticity as plastic and will not break on impact.

The production of traditional glass with thermosetting techniques and laminated laminates to be able to strengthen the glass is often very expensive. The researchers reimagined the structure of mother-of-pearl with layers of glass and acrylic, creating a particularly strong opaque material that is easy to manufacture and much cheaper. They then made the composite transparent by adjusting the extraction of the acrylic. The new glass material is not only 3 times stronger than ordinary glass, but also 5 times better to crack.

When hit hard, the new type of glass will not break into many pieces. It is as malleable as plastic and could be used to improve future cell phone screens among other applications.

The team is planning to improve the material by integrating smart technology that allows the glass to change its mechanical properties, color, and electrical conductivity.

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