Custom composites (including composite resin matrices) are used throughout many manufacturing industries. The power generation industry uses composite resin matrices like epoxy resins, polyester-vinyl ester, and polymide materials.
Aside from resin composites, there are a variety of other types of composite materials. Some of the most exciting advances made in composite technology are in high-strength carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are used in applications like constructing the world’s strongest cables, fibers, and fabrics, which all have uses in myriad industries. Any advance in carbon nanotube technology is good for the world’s technological innovations.
And some these advances are coming from the least likely of places… like the ocean.
According to Materials Review, certain species of mussel, the Mytilus edulis sports an adhesive foot whose proteins can be used in composites research. The strongly binding properties of this mussel’s feet are being translated to carbon nanotube composites, increasing some composites’s tensile strength by 500%!
As composites research continues, it makes sense to think that white-coated technicians in labs are going to make the biggest strides. But as we’ve seen for some time now, mother nature still has a few tricks left up her sleeve.
