From EurekAlert, news from Prof. Pulickel Ajayan of RPI:
” ‘These nanotubes can be squeezed to less than 15 percent of their normal lengths by buckling and folding themselves like springs,’ says lead author Anyuan Cao, who did much of the work as a postdoctoral researcher in Ajayan’s lab and is now assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After every cycle of compression, the nanotubes unfold and recover, producing a strong cushioning effect.
“The thickness of the nanotube foams decreased slightly after several hundred cycles, but then quickly stabilized and remained constant, even up to 10,000 cycles. When compared with conventional foams designed to sustain large strains, nanotube foams recovered very quickly and exhibited higher compressive strength, according to the researchers. Throughout the entire experiments, the foams did not fracture, tear, or collapse.
“And their intriguing properties do not end there. Nanotubes also are stable in the face of extreme chemical environments, high temperatures, and humidity all of which adds up to a number of possible applications, from flexible electromechanical systems to coatings for absorbing energy.”
I admire Anyuan Cao, who is smart enough to first do this intriguing work — at RPI, which has terrible winters — and then get a job in Hawaii!—Christine
