4. • “Spiders are interesting models because they are able to produce
these superb silk fibers at room temperature using water as a
solvent’’.
• The lab-made fibers are created from a material called a hydrogel,
which is 98 percent water and 2 percent silica and cellulose, the
latter two held together by cucurbiturils, molecules that serve as
“handcuffs.”
• The silica and cellulose fibers can be pulled from the hydrogel.
After 30 seconds or so, the water evaporates, leaving behind only
the strong, stretchy thread.
*Cucurbiturils are macrocyclic molecules made of glycoluril monomers linked by methylene bridges (-
5. SHRILK (BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC)
• Today, humans produce 300 million tons of plastic per year and
recycle only 3%, leaving the other 97% to break down in
oceans and landfills where they harm the food chain and our
environment.
• Wyss Institute researchers have developed a fully degradable
bioplastic by isolating a material called chitosan found in
shrimp shells and forming a laminate with silk fibroin protein
and the new material, called “Shrilk”.
• it rapidly biodegrades when placed in compost and releasing
nitrogen-rich nutrient fertilizer.
• Ref:https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/chitosan-bioplastic/
6. STARLITE
• Starlite is a material claimed to be able to withstand
and insulate from extreme heat.
• composition of Starlite is still unknown.
• Under tests, Starlite was claimed to be able to withstand
attack by a laser beam that could produce a temperature of
10,000 degrees Celsius.
• Starlite's composition is a closely guarded secret, but it is said
to contain a variety of (organic) polymers and co-polymers
with both organic and inorganic additives, including borates
and small quantities of ceramics and other special barrier
ingredients — up to 21 in all. Perhaps uniquely for a material
claimed to be thermal and blast-proof, it is claimed to be not
wholly organic but up to 90 percent organic.
7. D3O
• D3O (formally "D3o") is a polyurethane energy-absorbing material containing
several additives and Polyborodimethylsiloxane.
• its raw state flows freely, but on shock, locks together to absorb and disperse
energy as heat, before returning to its semi fluid state.
• The patent cites optimal proportions for a shock absorbing foam composite
formula : by volume, 15-35% of PBDMS and 40-70% fluid (the gas resulting
from the foaming process, generally carbon dioxide) the remainder being
polyurethane.
• D3O's technology is found in many sports equipment such as body armor.
