Ben-Gurion University Researchers Develop Innovative "Smart" Material

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have introduced a novel "smart" material that remains in a liquid state until activated by light or gentle heat. This innovation, detailed in the peer-reviewed journal *Nature Chemistry*, presents a new class of latent monomers—stable liquid building blocks that can remain dormant for weeks before solidifying upon activation. The development aims to enhance production efficiency, simplify industrial curing processes, and reduce waste in manufacturing and 3D printing.

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The new material comprises three essential components: building blocks that can form long plastic-like chains, a standard industrial catalyst that facilitates the chain-forming reaction, and tiny gold nanoparticles that serve as microscopic heaters when exposed to near-infrared light. The latent monomers are derived from norbornadienes, which can be polymerized using a method known as ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Initially, these monomers exist in a "sleeping" state as quadricyclane, which does not participate in chain formation. Upon exposure to UV light, they transition to an active state, allowing for the formation of reactive norbornadiene and enabling chain building on demand.

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The implications of this research are significant for the manufacturing sector. The ability to store and transport the liquid formulation without it thickening or hardening allows manufacturers to fill, coat, or print components before activating the curing process in specific areas using light patterns or masks. This method not only minimizes waste and energy consumption but also eliminates the need for continuous mixing of fresh batches or prolonged heating of entire volumes.

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The study further demonstrates that the concept of switchable building blocks can produce materials with varied properties. By combining active building blocks with those that remain dormant until heated, researchers can create plastics with distinct sections. This enables the initial formation of a soft, easily shaped material that can later be hardened into a more durable solid, all within a single production process.

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Prof. Yossi Weizmann, who led the study, emphasized the innovation by stating, “Instead of a ‘sleeping’ catalyst, we created ‘sleeping’ building blocks of the material itself.” PhD student Nir Lemcoff noted that this work encourages scientists to approach challenges in polymer science with a fresh perspective.

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While the research presents promising advancements, some industry experts caution that the practical applications of such materials may face challenges in scalability and integration into existing manufacturing processes. Concerns regarding the cost-effectiveness of implementing new technologies in traditional settings have been raised.

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• “This work demonstrates a new way of thinking about a general problem in polymer science and will hopefully inspire scientists in the field to look at the challenges in their own work with a fresh point of view,” — Nir Lemcoff, PhD Student

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• “Instead of a ‘sleeping’ catalyst, we created ‘sleeping’ building blocks of the material itself,” — Prof. Yossi Weizmann, Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University

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This innovative approach to polymer science could reshape manufacturing processes, offering a more efficient and sustainable method for producing and utilizing materials.

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