Materials Evolution by Programmed Twisting: a DNA-Inspired Ultrastrong Supercoiled Conformational Fiber for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomimicry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• DNA supercoils' conformational dynamics are crucial for information storage and gene transcription.
• Mimicking nanoscale DNA behaviors in macroscopic materials for novel functionalities is an underexplored area.
• Existing materials lack the combined properties of large deformability, high strength, and energy storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a DNA-inspired materials evolution paradigm.
• To create multifunctional supercoiled conformational fibers (SCFs) with unique properties.
• To explore potential applications of these novel SCFs.

Main Methods:

• Programmed twisting controlled self-buckling of a low-density polyethylene strip.
• Multiscale microstructure evolution induced by twist-stress modulation.
• Characterization of mechanical and energy-related properties of the resulting SCFs.

Main Results:

• Fabrication of DNA-like SCFs exhibiting ultra-large elastic deformability (900 ± 50%).
• Achieved metal-level mechanical strength (330 ± 30 MPa) and high torsional energy-storage density (16.1 ± 0.6 kJ kg⁻¹).
• Demonstrated energy release upon stimulation and impact buffering capabilities via conformation-mediated energy dissipation.

Conclusions:

• The developed DNA-inspired materials evolution paradigm successfully created high-performance SCFs.
• The unique properties stem from multiscale twisting-reinforced microstructures and conformation mechanics.
• SCFs offer a versatile platform for materials with extraordinary mechanics and functions, with potential applications in energy harvesting and impact absorption.