Proteins for making tough rubber
Monday, December 10, 2018 - 12:10
in Physics & Chemistry
Inspired by nature, scientists have produced a synthetic analogue to vulcanized natural rubber. Their material is just as tough and durable as the original. They reveal the secret to their success: short protein chains attached to the side-chains of the polymer backbone ensure stable physical cross-linkage and give the material a ''self-reinforcing'' effect under strain. In contrast to conventional rubbers, it is much easier to recycle.