University of Rochester scientists create 'super polymer' that can lift 1,000 times its mass [View all]

[Recursion]

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2016/02/11/university-rochester-scientists-create-super-polymer-that-can-lift-1000-times-its-mass.html

Scientists at the University of Rochester have created a new type of ‘super polymer’ that could prove an extremely useful technology in the healthcare and clothing industries.

The material, which can lift 1,000 times its own mass, was developed by a research team led by Chemical Engineering Professor Mitch Anthamatten. In a press release the university explained that the material can be programmed to retain a temporary shape until is triggered – typically by heat – to return to its original shape.

“Tuning the trigger temperature is only one part of the story,” said Anthamatten. “We also engineered these materials to store large amount of elastic energy, enabling them to perform more mechanical work during their shape recovery.”

Potential uses of the technology include medical sutures, artificial skin, body-heat assisted medical dispensers and self-fitting apparel, according to the university.

Very cool.