What is it about?
Inspired by the protective structures of seashells and the remarkable adaptability of sea urchins, we developed a flexible, nature-inspired material that stiffens under impact and changes shape remotely using magnetic fields. Its two distinct surfaces can reflect or absorb sunlight, enabling cooling or heating as needed. In experiments, a protective system made from this material reduced impact forces by approximately 85% and achieved a temperature difference of around 40°C between operating modes. This innovation offers a promising approach to protecting sensitive equipment against impacts and extreme temperatures in harsh environments.
Featured Image
Photo by Conny Schneider on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Conventional shields struggle with combined impact and heat. Our bioinspired material pairs magnetic shape control with impact cushioning and switchable heating and cooling, offering a new approach to protecting sensitive equipment.
Perspectives
I have always been fascinated by how nature combines strength with adaptability. This work reflects my passion for translating nature's designs into intelligent materials, and I hope it inspires new approaches to adaptive protection.
Xinglong Gong
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Magnetically guided programmable thermomechanical protection enabled by biomimetic asymmetric design, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, October 2026, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2615691123.
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