Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a material made from staple-shaped particles that can switch between being strong and flexible or falling apart on command.
The team, led by Professor Francois Barthelat, designed particles that tangle together like office staples. This entanglement gives the material both tensile strength and toughness.
Vibrations control the process. Gentle vibrations encourage the particles to interlock, while stronger ones cause them to separate quickly.
PhD student Saeed Pezeshki noted the material demonstrates high strength and toughness at the same time. The findings were published in the Journal of Applied Physics.
Potential applications include recyclable construction materials and swarm robotics. The researchers are now testing designs with additional legs inspired by burrs.
