a day ago
New superplastic bends like rubber, powers electronics, and degrades cleanly
In a major step toward cleaner electronics, Case Western Reserve University scientists have created a new type of plastic that could replace environmentally harmful materials in wearable devices, sensors, and more.
The material is a fluorine-free ferroelectric polymer. Unlike conventional plastics used in electronics, it does not rely on poly(vinylidene fluoride), or PVDF, a substance known to persist in the environment and classified as a 'forever chemical.'
The researchers, led by Lei Zhu, professor of macromolecular science and engineering at Case School of Engineering, say this is a first-of-its-kind innovation.
'How this material generates its electric properties is also fundamentally new,' Zhu said. 'Unlike current ferroelectric materials, it doesn't have to crystallize to lock in the polarity that gives it electrical properties.'
Ferroelectric materials possess 'spontaneous polarization,' meaning their electrical charge can be switched on and off with an electric field. This property is crucial for next-gen electronics. But most current ferroelectric materials are ceramic-based, brittle, and inflexible.
Polymers offer an edge here. They're light, soft, and elastic, making them ideal for integration with the human body. Zhu's new polymer delivers those benefits while avoiding fluorine, the toxic component in PVDF.
'We're still in the development stage of synthesizing small quantities and investigating the properties,' Zhu said. 'But we're excited about the potential to replace environmentally harmful plastics in sensors and detectors.'
The polymer's chemical design also improves processing, making it easier to manufacture into thin films or coatings. This could accelerate its adoption across multiple electronics sectors, especially those aiming to reduce waste and toxicity.
The tunable electrical properties of the new polymer could enable a range of applications, from infrared detectors to ultrasound devices. Because the material is acoustically compatible with biological tissue, it's promising for medical sensors and diagnostic tools.
Its elasticity also makes it suitable for next-gen augmented and virtual reality goggles, where soft and flexible electronics are in demand.
The innovation is timely, as engineers seek sustainable alternatives in an industry dominated by rigid, unrecyclable materials. While Zhu's team is still improving the material's electrical and elastic traits, its eco-friendly design is already generating excitement.
The research was supported by a U.S. Department of Energy grant awarded in 2017. Though the funding ended in 2022, Zhu and his collaborators continued their work.
'When the grant funding expired… we kept working on it, until finally we hit the jackpot,' Zhu said.
By ditching harmful fluorinated compounds and offering a flexible, scalable material, Zhu's team hopes to usher in a greener chapter for electronic polymers. Their goal is to build a future where electronics are not just smarter, but safer for the planet.
The findings were published in the journal Science, and the technology is now patent pending.
