Issue 3, 2018

Mechanically triggered composite stiffness tuning through thermodynamic relaxation (ST3R)

Abstract

Recent developments in smart responsive composites have utilized various stimuli including heat, light, solvents, electricity, and magnetic fields to induce a change in material properties. Here, we report a thermodynamically driven mechanically responsive composite, exploiting irreversible phase-transformation (relaxation) of metastable undercooled liquid metal core shell particle fillers. Thermal and mechanical analysis reveals that as the composite is deformed, the particles transform from individual liquid droplets to a solid metal network, resulting in a 300% increase in Young's modulus. In contrast to previous phase change materials, this dramatic change in stiffness occurs autonomously under deformation, is insensitive to environmental conditions, and does not require external energy sources such as heat, light, or electricity. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by transforming a flat, flexible composite strip into a rigid, 3D structure that is capable of supporting 50× its own weight. The ability for shape change and reconfiguration are further highlighted, indicating potential for multiple pathways to trigger or tune composite stiffness.

Graphical abstract: Mechanically triggered composite stiffness tuning through thermodynamic relaxation (ST3R)

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
10 Jan 2018
Accepted
23 Jan 2018
First published
23 Jan 2018

Mater. Horiz., 2018,5, 416-422

Mechanically triggered composite stiffness tuning through thermodynamic relaxation (ST3R)

B. S. Chang, R. Tutika, J. Cutinho, S. Oyola-Reynoso, J. Chen, M. D. Bartlett and M. M. Thuo, Mater. Horiz., 2018, 5, 416 DOI: 10.1039/C8MH00032H

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