Researchers create smart materials inspired by sea creatures for display optics and encryption

Researchers from the University of Connecticut have created smart materials for use in windows, display optics and encryption , inspired by the properties of jellyfish and squid. The materials use layers to change state when stretched, and can revert back to the original state. The research was published in the paper Nature Communications. Luyi Sun, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, said “There are several marine animals that can very smartly and actively alter their skin’s structure and color. In this work, we follow two examples, squid and jellyfish respectively, to create different mechanical responsive devices.” The material works by layering a stretchable polymer over a rigid film. Stretching the polymer produces cracks in the rigid film, which leads to a range of optical variations in the material. When stretched, the smart materials can change opacity, colour, display a logo, reveal a pattern or change fluorescence. The material survived 50,000 stretch and release cycles, with the properties intact. This proves the robustness of the material to be used for commercial applications.

The use of these materials vary, and can be used for smart windows, display optics and encryption. For example, a window can be built that goes from transparent to opaque based on how much the material is stretched. This allows for a privacy toggle in windows. The researchers envision the display optics being used in toys. Currently the material displays the optical properties only under ultraviolet light, the researchers are working on a way to make it work with regular light as well. More videos and information at the official announcement here .