In order to respond to two distinct stimuli, scientists at the University of Waterloo in Canada have created a novel smart material that is triggered by both heat and electricity. The innovative design opens up various possible uses, such as winter-appropriate apparel that heats up as you walk from the car to the workplace and collision-resistant automobile bumpers.
The programmable fabric is manufactured inexpensively using polymer nano-composite fibres made of recycled plastic, and it can alter its colour and structure in response to stimuli, according to the University of Waterloo.
The revolutionary fabric design, which combines highly designed polymer composites and stainless steel in a woven framework, results from the fusion of soft and hard materials.
Researchers developed a machine that looks like a standard loom to weave the smart fabric. The method that results is incredibly flexible and allows for design flexibility and large-scale fabric property control.
In comparison to earlier systems, the fabric can also be triggered by lower voltages of electricity, which increases its energy efficiency and lowers its cost. It is also appropriate for biomedical devices and environment sensors since lower voltage enables integration into smaller, more portable machines.
The next stage for researchers is to enhance the fabric’s shape-memory capabilities for robotics applications. The goal is to build a robot that can efficiently carry and transfer weight while carrying out duties.
“As a wearable material alone, it has almost infinite potential in AI, robotics, and virtual reality games and experiences,” said Dr Milad Kamkar, professor of chemical engineering and head of the Multi-scale Materials Design (MMD) Centre at Waterloo. Imagine a tactile stimulus or warm sensation triggering a more profound virtual world journey.
“Biomimicry science is where the concept of these intelligent materials developed initially and took root. This proves that our novel material may interact with the environment to monitor ecosystems without causing harm by sensing and responding to environmental cues like temperature.
