A polymer, developed by scientists at the University of Rochester in New York, is capable of carrying 1,000 times its mass, and has unique shape-shifting qualities. The material is able to shape-shift by returning to its original shape with the application of warmth. In fact, body temperature alone is able to reform the material. Additionally, the scientists have engineered the material to store a large amount of elastic energy. This enables the material to perform additional mechanical tasks before and during its reformation.

Time-lapse photo of a shape-shifting polymer. Image source: J. Adam Fenster/University of Rochester.Key to creating the material was the ability to tune the trigger temperature, controlling the crystallites that allow the material to shape shift more effectively. By adding molecular linkers which connect to the polymer strands, the researchers were able to adjust the material’s stability and tune the melting point that triggers shape change.

In doing so, the researchers found that the linkers inhibit crystallization when the material is stretched, but don’t stop it entirely. Fine tuning the number of linkers, and where they were distributed through the polymer network, gave the shape-shifting material the ability to reform at body temperature. The researchers also were able to achieve high mechanical strength with the tuning: the material can hold up to 1,000 times its mass in weight. One gram of the material could carry the weight of a one-liter bottle.

The material has potential applications in artificial skin, body heat assisted medical dispensers, sutures and self-fitting apparel.