This strange material can become strong or fall apart in seconds
Researchers at CU Boulder are studying how entangled particles, like bundles of staples, can create materials that are both strong and reversible. By manipulating particle shape, they hope to develop new, recyclable engineered materials.
Why it matters
This research could lead to the development of sustainable, adaptable materials that mimic natural structures like bird nests and bones.
A tightly compressed bundle of office staples can behave in a surprising way. Even though it is made of many separate pieces, the tangled mass can be difficult to pull apart and can act almost like a single solid object.
The article reports on scientific research findings in a factual, objective manner.
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