Scientists just created the world’s strongest biomaterial
May 15, 2018 | 00:55 |1917
Scientists from the Royal Institute of Technology of Sweden have produced a bio-based material that is reported to surpass the strength of all known bio-based materials whether fabricated or natural, including wood and spider silk. Published in the journal of American Chemical Society (ACS Nano), the study describes the use of cellulose nanofibre (CNF), the essential building block of wood and other plant life, used in the production of a paper. Working with CNF, the researchers report that they have overcome the difficulty in translating the incredible mechanical properties of these nanofibres into larger, lightweight materials. The main secret of the strength of cellulose is the specific order of placement of nanoparticles in fibers. The reported progress results from the development of insights into the way physics controls structuring of components, such as CNF, at the nanoscale during fabrication. This understanding enabled a new process, which involves controlling the flow of nanofibres in deionized water and low pH water. “The bio-based nanocellulose fibres fabricated here are 8 times stiffer and have strengths higher than natural dragline spider silk fibres, generally considered to be the strongest bio-based material,” says corresponding author Daniel Söderberg, researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. “The specific strength is exceeding that of metals, alloys, ceramics and E-glass fibres.” As noted in the study, measurements of the material were reported for tensile stiffness, 86 gigapascals (GPa), and for tensile strength, 1.57 GPa. The new material can be used not only in the production of super-strong furniture, but also in the production of airplanes, cars and even in the construction of buildings.Arslan KEMALOV
