In the future, there could be materials that can reconfigure themselves on demand, adapting their structure and properties like living organisms.
A team of Japanese scientists have created a supramolecular polymer system that transforms into 1D, 2D, or 3D structures by adjusting light intensity.
The Chiba University researchers say this development could lead to a new generation of highly adaptable “smart” materials. The current materials are generally static once their form is established.
This work demonstrates a non-biological system that changes its structure or state depending on the amount of energy it receives, much like living organisms.
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