Polymers

Plastics have long been controversial materials, frequently criticised
as the epitome and symbol of over consumption and waste.
Today’s plastics however, challenge these preconceptions with
a new family of ‘conjugated’ polymers being developed whose
structure gives them the ability to conduct electricity and turn it
into light. This revolution offers us ultra thin flexible ‘plastic’
TV screens, printable light sources and electrical components.
The electronics industry has seen a great shift towards
polymer-based components such as LEDs, sensors, and
transistors, and it is predicted that these active polymers
will replace silicon in many electronic devices in the near future.

areas of research

• PrintedCircuitBoards

• ElectroActivePolymers

• LightEmittingPolymers (see also PhotoVoltaics)

• BioPolymers

Interesting polymer materials

Supracor

• http://www.supracor.com/

Description

Supracor's flexible honeycomb is produced from a technology of fusion-bonding. It is a derivative of the aerospace industry. However, unlike aerospace honeycomb, Supracor is not bonded with adhesives, which allows it to have "memory" and shock or impact absorption. It is fabricated from an extensive range of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE's), which demonstrate tensile, tear and compressive strength, resistance to puncture and flexibility over a range of temperatures. Supracor is a matrix of elongated hexagons forming a complex pattern of alternating single- and double-walled cells. Each cell has eight interior and eight exterior radii. In bonded or sandwiched panel form, i.e., reinforced with facings, "I-beams" are formed at the point where the cell walls meet the facings. The I-beams reinforce the cell walls providing additional stability to the matrix, while encapsulated air pockets act as a cushion to further absorb energy. It is the architecture of radiated double- and single-walled cells that makes the honeycomb anisotropic - having three different degrees of resistance or "flex" in its length ("L" direction), width ("W" direction) and vertically against the surface ("T" direction). This enables it to absorb energy or impact from different angles. Energy from impact is absorbed and dispersed evenly throughout the honeycomb matrix. Because the cells are interconnected, when one cell buckles from impact, the walls of the adjacent cells also buckle to absorb the force, similar to a ripple effect. The honeycomb absorbs shock in the same manner, but has increased load-bearing capability as a result of its elastomeric composition. The honeycomb can be engineered to be a specific weight, absorb a specific load, rebound at a specified rate and possess the flexibility or stiffness required by the end application. It can be manufactures in any color, with a protective breathable layer or left exposed. Applications include athletic shoes, bumpers on amusement park rides, impact-absorbing hoof pad for horses, wheelchair cushions, automotive crash pads, equestrian saddles, and flooring mats.

PolyMers Links

• http://ndeaa.jpl.nasa.gov/ndeaa-pub/SPIE-2002/SPIE-02-EAP-4695-02-challenges.pdf
• http://ndeaa.jpl.nasa.gov/nasa-nde/lommas/eap/EAP-web.htm
• http://www.esa.int/gsp/ACT/ACT_Web/Subjects/Bio/mech/muscle/muscle_3.htm
• http://www.nature.com/nsu/000309/000309-2.html

-- RachelWingfield - 03 Feb 2004
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