Developed 2D polymer material thought ‘impossible’ to make: Stronger than steel

Advances in materials science pave the way for developments in the world of technology. A new material developed can be used in vehicles or electronic devices, making them lighter but more durable. The material, named 2DPA-1, is stronger than steel and as light as plastic.

The impossible has been achieved

Until now, it had seemed impossible for polymers composed of monomer chains to form a two-dimensional sheet-like structure as the number of chains increases. Turning only one monomer up or down from the plane of the growing layer caused the material to expand in three dimensions. For this reason, a layer-like structure could not be formed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers have designed a new 2D polymer material that can scale to large production levels. The production of two-dimensional polymer material, which was considered impossible until now, has been made possible by the unique polymerization process used by the researchers.

The researchers used a compound called melamine, which contains a ring of carbon and nitrogen atoms as monomer building blocks, in a new polymerization process called polyaramid that allows them to form a two-dimensional sheet.

Under favorable conditions, these monomers were able to grow in two dimensions to form disks. These discs are held together by hydrogen bonds and stack on top of each other.

Can be produced in desired sizes

The material, called 2DPA-1, can be made in desired quantities thanks to its self-realization in solution. The only thing to do for a larger material is to increase the amount of starting materials.

The researchers found that 2DPA-1’s modulus of elasticity is four to six times greater than that of bulletproof glass. It was also found that the yield strength of the material is two times better than steel, although it is only one-sixth the density of steel.

Unlike many polymers, 2DPA-1 is gas-proof due to its nature. In this way, it will be possible to create ultra-thin coatings that can completely prevent the passage of water or gases with the new material.

Thanks to 2DPA-1, light, durable and waterproof coatings can be made on electronic devices such as smartphones and vehicles. It can also be used as a construction material. MIT researchers are examining in more detail how this particular polymer can form 2D layers and are experimenting with altering its molecular structure to create other kinds of new materials.