Researchers develop nature-inspired “smart” materials

BBC : A team at the University of Bristol in the UK has developed artificial muscles that mimic the color-changing ability of certain animals. Cephalopods like squid and octopuses change color by using tiny muscles in their skin to stretch out small sacs of black coloration. Zebrafish pump black pigment from under the skin to the surface. To replicate those abilities, the researchers used soft robotics, a technique that combines aspects of organic chemistry, soft materials science, and robotics. They connected electroactive polymeric materials to an electric circuit: When a voltage was applied, the materials contracted; when the voltage was cut, they returned to their original shape. Such nature-inspired designs could lead to a line of camouflage clothing that can change color and pattern or to “smart” clothing that can cool the wearer when it is hot and warm the wearer when it is cold. The study was published online 1 May in the journal Bioinspiration and Biomimetics.