A new, unique shock-absorbing material may prove to have significantly improved protective features. This is the conclusion of an article on the subject written by Anne Ladegaard Skov, Associate Professor at DTU Chemical Engineering, which was recently published in the scientific journal Nature.
by Mathias Davidsen
A split second of inattentiveness combined with a hard surface has been a major cause of frustration, infuriation and money problems for smartphone owners. However, according to Anne Ladegaard Skov, Associate Professor at DTU Chemical Engineering, who has recently had an article published in the scientific journal Nature, this may be prevented in near future thanks to a brand new shock-absorbing material.
The article is based on the findings of a Japanese research team headed by Takuzo Aida, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science. And Anne Ladegaard Skov has high expectations of the material, and says:
"This is super exciting. The material has unparalleled shock-absorbing features."
The shock-absorbing material consists of nano-scale titanium sheets placed in so-called hydrogel—a mixture of water and polymer molecules—with joined surfaces. The nano sheets are extremely small—150 times thinner than a human hair.
The material is special in that the above-mentioned titanium sheets repel rather than attract each other, which is how shock-absorbing materials normally behave. This means that the material absorbs the shock, just like bending your knees to stop jumping on a trampoline. When bending your knees, the energy is transferred sideways rather than continuing up through the body, thereby stopping the movement.
"For simple purposes, such as in mobile phones, the material will probably be available soon"
Associate Professor Anne Ladegaard Skov, DTU Chemical Engineering
"Shock-absorbing materials generally attract each other, while repulsive materials disperse and break. However, a research team has found a solution to this problem by placing titanium sheets in hydrogel," says Anne Ladegaard Skov and continues: "Due to their repulsive features, the energy is transferred horizontally rather than vertically when the material on the titanium sheet surface is subjected to perpendicular impact. If you drop your mobile phone on the floor, the shock will be transferred sideways rather than affecting the phone."
When a new material is discovered, it usually takes several years before it can be commercialized. But in this case, consumers will probably be able to benefit from the material in the not too distant future.
"The current solid state of the material meets the requirements for application. For simple purposes, such as in mobile phones, the material will probably be available soon," says Anne Ladegaard Skov.