U.S. researchers invent tough and resilient nanowires

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have recently invented a nanowire assembly that demonstrates tremendous potential in applications such as armor, flame retardant construction, bacterial filters, oil packaging, viral diffusion inhibition, and decomposition of pollutants.

The two-dimensional "paper" can form a three-dimensional design. It can be folded, bent, cut or used as a funnel. Its chemical properties are extremely stable and can withstand temperatures up to 700 degrees Celsius. “People have been using natural fibers for thousands of years. After applying this technology, we will step into a new era of paper,” said Z.Ryan Tian, ​​assistant professor of biochemistry. Tian and his team used a hot water heating step to disengage the nanowires from titanium dioxide, creating a membrane that does not require any support. The resulting material is white in color, similar to plain paper. This material can be made into different three-dimensional shapes according to different functions. Researchers have made kinescopes, bowling balls and cups in this way. Relevant researchers said that such three-dimensional hollow objects can be manually operated and repaired with scissors.

Source: Consumer Daily