Researchers at Wageningen University have developed a new material called “compleximers,” which can be molded like glass but resists impacts like plastic. This innovative material challenges the traditional belief that slower-melting glassy materials are less impact-resistant. Compleximers are made from long polymer chains held together by ionic bonds, which are stronger and more flexible than typical chemical bonds. This structure allows them to be easily recyclable and repairable, unlike traditional thermoset plastics. The discovery could lead to advancements in creating and repairing durable protective gear, offering new insights into material science.
QUESTION: How might the development of compleximers change the way we approach recycling and sustainability in the future?
Bizarre ‘compleximers’ break the rules of both glass and plastic
