Researchers Develop Fluorescing Composite Material That Inspects Itself
ZURICH—Researchers from the Complex Materials Group at ETH Zurich university have developed a lightweight composite material that changes color as soon as it is deformed, and is suitable for use in aerospace applications. The result of this color change, in effect, is the material inspects itself.
Made from plastic polymer and artificial nacre or mother-of-pearl, the material changes color to indicate internal deformation, thereby indicating possible material failure at an early stage. It is composed of alternating layers, and features a laminate that is translucent and break-resistant, yet lightweight.