Researchers at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) have made a groundbreaking discovery: a new class of material called “compleximer.” This amber substance blends properties that were thought impossible to combine. It has the toughness of plastic and can be shaped like glass without being too brittle.
For years, materials science believed that glassy materials were weak if they melted slowly. However, Professor Jasper van der Gucht and his team proved this wrong. Their findings show that compleximers can be shaped carefully and still bounce instead of shattering when dropped.
The secret lies in how compleximers hold together at the molecular level. Unlike traditional plastics, which bond through permanent chemicals, compleximers use physical forces. One set of molecular chains has a positive charge, while another has a negative charge. These opposing forces attract like magnets, allowing the material to maintain its structure while being flexible.
This unique setup gives compleximers their remarkable properties. They can be reshaped at high temperatures and absorb shocks effectively. It also opens up new possibilities for substances with electrical charges, which behave in unexpected ways. “These materials can surprise us. That’s what excites me,” says Van der Gucht.
Practical Benefits
The potential applications for compleximers are vast. Because the material is held together by physical forces, it can self-repair. If a compleximer roof panel cracks, a simple touch-up with heat, using something as basic as a hairdryer, can make it good as new.
A Sustainable Future
Currently, compleximers are made from fossil-based materials, but researchers are excited about turning this innovation into a greener alternative. Wouter Post, a senior researcher at WUR, notes that this new material could be easier to repair and, importantly, could even break down biologically. “We’re not just focusing on recycling anymore; we’re looking at sustainability in a whole new way,” he explains.
Van der Gucht is committed to creating biobased versions of compleximers over the next few years, ensuring this new material contributes positively to environmental efforts.
User Reactions
Social media has been buzzing with excitement over this discovery. Users are sharing their thoughts, with many expressing hope that compleximers could revolutionize how we approach consumer goods, making them more durable and eco-friendly. This trend reflects a growing awareness and demand for sustainable materials in everyday life.
Compleximers illustrate a significant leap in material science. This innovation not only challenges long-held beliefs but also paves the way for future advances that could redefine how we think about and use materials today. For more insights, you can check the WUR report.
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chemical conversion, Materials, Physics, plastic
