Recently, I came across news about a new material that has completely overturned my perception. It's called Ceramic Aerogel Composite (CAM), but unlike traditional ceramic aerogels, it has a remarkable feature: it can be deformed like origami.
How amazing is it?
To put it simply, it can be stretched by 158% and compressed by 30% without cracking. Such performance is tailor-made for the aerospace field.
What makes it so powerful?
The secret lies in its ingenious combination of two technologies:
1. Origami structure (Miura-ori)
Researchers used laser-engraved PVC templates to stack silica fibers into Miura-ori folding units. This structure enables the material to expand like an accordion when stretched and fold when compressed.
2. Fiber + aerogel combination
Fibers provide flexibility, while aerogel acts as a "glue" to enhance strength. The effect of this combination is very obvious. Figure 3c in the paper compares the performance with and without the origami structure - ordinary ceramics break at a 2% stretch, while CAM can be stretched by over a hundred times!
Performance at high temperatures
It can not only deform but also withstand temperatures up to 1200°C. With a thermal conductivity of only 0.0376 W/m·K, its heat insulation capability is top-notch!
Some mind-blowing performance data
· Negative Poisson's ratio: It widens when stretched, a property that is ideal for scenarios where high-temperature local contraction needs to be prevented.
· Biaxial stretching by 455%: The area can expand by 4.5 times, something traditional materials simply cannot achieve.
· Fatigue resistance: After 60 cycles of 80% stretching, its performance remains almost unchanged, demonstrating exceptional durability.
Where could it be used in the future?
· Aerospace: For instance, in the variable intake ducts of J-20 fighter jets, where materials need to be both deformable and heat-insulating.
· Inflatable re-entry capsules: Maintaining shape at high temperatures, CAM's coordinated deformation ability is a perfect match.
· Fire-resistant suits/building insulation: Lightweight, heat-resistant, and capable of conforming to complex curved surfaces.