(March 26, 2015) Researchers
at UT Dallas have created new structures that exploit the electromechanical
properties of specific nanofibers to stretch to up to seven times their length,
while remaining tougher than Kevlar.
These structures absorb up to 98 joules per gram. Kevlar,
often used to make bulletproof vests, can absorb up to 80 joules per gram.
Researchers hope the structures will one day form material that can reinforce
itself at points of high stress and could potentially be used in military airplanes
or other defense applications.