Detecting new material state 'topological glasses' with pasta noodles

Two researchers Davide Michieletto and Professor Matthew Turner from the University of Warwick (UK) have come to a very interesting place in the hope of explaining the complexity of polimer physics, which is . the kitchen.

By creating pasta noodles, they not only reveal how interactions between the round polimers, but also discover a new physical state called 'topological glass'.

A polymer consists of linked molecules that combine together to form a long chain. They are found in synthetic plastics, as well as in DNA and protein - here they are called biological polymers.

Spaghetti noodles are similar to linear polymers because noodles have two ends and can be easily separated.(Source: DM)

Spaghetti noodles are similar to linear polymers because the noodles have two ends and can be easily separated, but the ring-shaped pasta noodles of the research team called anelloni are easily intertwined when placed in one bowl.

Michieletto and Professor Turner realized that when many polymer rings are placed side by side (in physics, this phenomenon is called melting), they will be intertwined as if solidified. Therefore, separating each polymer ring is very difficult.

By simulating the interactions between circular polymers on a computer to detect this dense phenomenon, Michieletto and Professor Turner believe they have discovered a new physical state, if the simulations actually take place in reality.

Conventional glass materials are created when a viscous liquid is cooled enough for molecules to stop moving and stand still in space, causing the material to maintain the turbulent structure of the liquid, but more Mechanical properties of a solid.

This type of 'topology ' is made up of circular polymers, so not only low temperatures but also short circumference will also reduce the speed of the molecules.

The two researchers believe that the discovery could inspire new materials, with many applications they consider to be "unimaginable".

'Topological glasses will be very interesting, because its properties will be completely adjusted by topology, instead of systematic chemical details that are often used to control the formation of conventional glass types.' , two researchers wrote.