In the United States, scientists from the University of California (UCI) managed to develop a new type of material, inspired by squid skin. One of its features is the ability to isolate temperatures through thermal regulation. Therefore, it is recommended for the production of packaging for food, beverages, mugs and thermoses.
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The creation is a metallic polymer that mimics the chromatophores, which are bags of pigment, contained in the skin of the squid. And these compounds are able to control heat.
“When a squid wants to change color, it uses its muscles to expand or contract these sacs. This alters the way light interacts with the pigments in them, changing the squid's appearance. What we did was an adaptation of this natural system”, explained Alon Gorodetsky, professor of chemical engineering and lead author of the research.
In order to develop the material, the scientists had to deposit copper structures on a flexible aluminum foil substrate. They were then coated with a special polymer, resulting in a substance that can change as a result of the applied voltage.
So every time the material is stretched, the copper structures are pulled apart and more heat escapes from one side to the other. However, when the substance is relaxed, such structures come together again, thus delaying the transfer of heat, allowing greater control over the temperature.
“Changes in the size of chromatophores help squid communicate and camouflage their bodies to avoid predators. By mimicking this approach, we were able to create adjustable thermoregulation, which can lead to better energy efficiency and protect fingers from hot surfaces.”
According to scholars, the new material can be used to insulate containers, bags for transporting food and thermal packaging. Furthermore, another advantage is that the compound is very malleable, being able to wrap glasses, for example, and controlling heat dissipation.
“We've been working with cephalopod-inspired materials and adaptive systems for years, but previously we've only been able to manufacture them in relatively small areas. Now that we can produce increasingly larger sheets, the applications of this new material are incredible”, concludes the professor responsible for the project.