As thin as paper, as steel

A thin, paper-thin plastic that is as steel as steel, is a new invention of the University of Michigan (U.S.). The feature is nearly perfect, but its composition seems simple because it only contains clay and a non-toxic glue used in the classroom.

Production and disposal are also expected: they use very little energy to produce, are relatively inexpensive, and are rapidly decomposed by bacteria.

According to researcher Nicholas Kotov, the resin could be used to reduce the energy required to extract gases in chemical plants, improve sophisticated techniques such as microchips, biomedical sensors and Even one day, it would create stronger and lighter armored vehicles for the military and police.

"We were only in the exploration phase but were able to produce 1m ² plastic sheets in the lab," Kotov told AFP news agency. Expected, in 1-2 years, this unique plastic will appear on the market.

Kotov and his team made this super-resin based on the clam shell structure. The super-thin clay layers are stacked and bonded with glue. Due to the clamshell structure, each crack does not appear on the surface.

(Photo: AAAS, Technology.newscientist.com)

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