Researchers have effectively combined the intricate structure of DNA with the pureness of glass to produce a product that boasts both lightness and extraordinary strength. The resulting supermaterial is five times lighter yet 4 times stronger than steel. This makes it “the strongest known” for its given density, according to the scientists who created the material from the University of Connecticut, Columbia University, and Brookhaven National Lab.
A shape of a superhero in modern armor, standing versus a sunset backdrop. Credit: AI-generated, DALL-E 3.
An unforeseen union of strength and lightness
Nevertheless, crafting big, unblemished glass pieces is extremely difficult. This is why when utilizing glass as a structural product, a size less than a micrometer thick is almost always ideal. And since its lighter than many metals and ceramics, structures made of such beautiful nano-sized glass are both feather-light and powerful.
“The capability to produce developed 3D structure nanomaterials using DNA and mineralize them opens huge chances for engineering mechanical homes. Much research work is still needed before we can employ it as an innovation,” says Gang.
” I am a big fan of Iron Man films, and I have actually constantly wondered how to produce a much better armor for Iron Man. Our brand-new product is five times lighter but 4 times stronger than steel.
Next, the researchers plan to make more powerful materials using DNA structure. For circumstances, replacing carbide ceramics for glass might produce materials with even much better strength-to-weight ratios. Modifying the DNA structure might also greatly improve these ratios. Does this mean that well get to see some of these crazy products embedded into Iron Man-like body armor someday? Who knows, and now we understand somebodys dealing with it.
Most cool science projects feature some equally cool motivation. This time it came from Iron Mans renowned suit.
The findings appeared in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science.
The reason why glass breaks easily has to do, in the majority of cases, with imperfections in its structure, like fractures or missing out on atoms. In its purest, most perfect form, a tiny piece of glass can withstand pressures that would fall apart even some of the toughest, heaviest products.
Scientists have effectively combined the intricate structure of DNA with the pureness of glass to produce a material that boasts both lightness and extraordinary strength. In its purest, most flawless form, a small piece of glass can withstand pressures that would crumble even some of the toughest, heaviest products.
To shape the pure glass particles into a 3D structure, the researchers turned to DNA, which they utilized as a scaffold. Imagine a house frame, however instead of wood or steel, its constructed entirely of DNA. This self-assembling DNA framework serves as a skeleton, onto which researchers carefully applied a glass finish. This fragile balance leads to a material thats both lightweight and robust, accomplishing densities and strengths formerly believed impossible.
The mission for products that completely balance strength and lightness has always been a difficulty. The 2 characteristics often appear at chances with each other, but that doesnt have to hold true. As a group of dedicated scientists revealed, these 2 traits can in some cases go hand in hand.
The series of images at the top (A) reveal how the skeleton of the structure is put together with DNA, then coated with glass. To form the pure glass particles into a 3D structure, the researchers turned to DNA, which they used as a scaffold. Substituting carbide ceramics for glass might produce materials with even much better strength-to-weight ratios.
The series of images at the top (A) demonstrate how the skeleton of the structure is assembled with DNA, then covered with glass. (B) shows a transmission electron microscopic lense image of the material, and (C) shows a scanning electron microscope picture of it, with the two right-hand panels focusing to features at different scales. Credit: University of Connecticut