Physics World May 2, 2019
Squid skin contains embedded chromatophore organs that are packed with pigment granules. These cells contract and expand thereby changing the wavelengths of light they absorb and reflect. Inspired by the squid skin a team of researchers in the US (UC Irvine, industry) designed a composite thermoregulatory material made up of a soft and stretchable infrared-transparent polymer matrix covered with an array of infrared-deflecting metal domains stably anchored within the matrix. In the relaxed state, the materials reflect nearly all incoming infrared radiation. When stretched, however, the anchored metal domains move apart and uncover parts of the underlying polymer matrix. Applications include reflective insulating inserts in buildings that adapt to different environmental conditions; use in tents, and coatings to effectively manage the temperature of electronic components…read more. Open Source TECHNICAL ARTICEÂ