The paper used by humankind for thousands of years, and during this time, she found huge application in all spheres of our life. But scientists are always trying to look at known objects from a new angle. According to the publication EurekAlert!, a group of researchers, using an ordinary cellulose, was able to create a material that has properties stronger than many metal alloys.
To develop the staff of the Royal Institute of technology in Sweden and their colleagues from the American chemical society investigated the nanostructure of cellulose fibers, namely the structure of the rigid layer of the cell wall of wood. In the course of works on creation of material scientists have faced a rather serious problem: in order to repeat the nanostructure, it is necessary to amplify the weak adhesion of the materials of the synthetic pulp. To overcome these limitations, the researchers used inkjet printing technology to perfect the organization of macro-scale fibers. That is, roughly speaking, the particles were “slightly enlarged”.
Thus, the adhesion between the components has increased significantly. Moreover, even the weak are made “nanofibers increased” had a stronger link than “normal” cellulose nanofibers. In the course of further study, experts found that the resulting material is stronger than many metal alloys and glass fiber, and eight times tougher than spider silk, which is one of the most durable biopolymers.
Scientists have created a paper… the most durable material
Vladimir Kuznetsov