Researchers at the university of Pennsylvania have developed a new kind of polymer material, this material can change according to the impact velocity of it's own color, which is expected to be used to detect brain damage.
Hope that one day this kind of polymer can be injected into a helmet or other head apparel products, so that once the impact, the brain damage will be clear at a glance.
16 - August 20, 2015 at the American chemical society (ACS) of the 250th session of the national conference and exposition, the researchers report show of the new technology. The conference for more than a total of 9000 report.
Rough handling or explosion would seriously damage the brain, but the impact these injuries are uncommon. New research and media reports pointed out that even though you have never been head trauma of professional athletes and soldiers also may appear alzheimer's disease, headache, memory loss and long-term complications.
In early April, a group of National Football League players filed, and requires the organization to make compensation for the retired players suffered head injuries. The case was finally. In fact, some professional hockey players also want to the national hockey league requests the same action.
Currently, there is no clear way to confirm whether someone receive the brain damage. Therefore, athletes and soldiers may inadvertently hurt when perform the same action, even cause more damage.
Shu Dr Yang explained that corresponds to the color change of the stress may eliminate further damage. "If the force is large enough, it is easy to learn, then go to a doctor immediately."
Holographic lithography Yang's team used to develop the structure of photonic crystals with complex design, so as to give crystals of a particular color, similar to the opal. Once the crystal by external forces and deformations, changed the internal structure, which can lead to color change.
The quality of this material is very light, and does not need the power to detect the external force, so for the medical staff to detect damage strength provides appropriate means, and does not require expensive tools. Yang, however, think that the processing of the crystal is very expensive, not suitable for mass production.
In order to overcome this problem, the researchers used a holographic lithography technology cheaper compared to the previous self-assembly technology as well as polymer materials.
The first step is the polymer molding, make its have similar to the unique function of photonic crystals. For the preparation of the mold, the team will be different size of silicon particles together, make its pattern of self-assembled into the same as the photonic crystals.
Then carries on the heating for the polymer, make its penetration into the mold, curing, removed. Then impose different force on polymer crystals, and then observe the changes of color. The result is very interesting.
"We can change the color according to certain force." Yang said.
Cho, adding that exert 30 mN force - the equivalent of a car at a speed of 80 miles per hour (MPH) hit the wall - crystal from red to green. Similarly, exerting force of 90 mN - equivalent to an accelerated truck hit the same wall - crystal into purple.
"The force between the explosion damage or concussion range." Yang said.
Yang is going to more research polarity, want to can be suggested that the preparation of outside force velocity, new materials and explains how to damage the brain.
New material compile finishing - online translation: spinach
correction: the ferris wheel
