中国科学家发明新式形状记忆材料
Chinese researchers have created a plastic polymer with shape memory, allowing it to switch between designs when exposed to heat.
中国科研人员创造一种具有形状记忆能力的塑料聚合物，该材料在受热的时候可以变换形状。
Zhejiang University scientists say it's a sizeable advance over existing self-folding polymers.
Associate professor Zhao Qian is one of those taking part in the shape memory polymer research.
"Our material is a cross-linked polymer network. Conventional cross-linked polymer networks were inefficient. For instance, my molecule chains keep their form and will not loosen. Our network acts organically and adjusts itself in order to remain in its original shape."
Researchers say they hope to promote the technology for some practical applications, such as heart stents and transformable weapons.
The technology could potentially lead to flexible medical sensors that change in response to a wearer's temperature, and shape-shifting tools.
The approach has been called '4D printing', with the material's properties allowing it to take different forms in different conditions.