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MIT Mechanophore Polymers Boost Ballistic Resistance, Cut Tire Microplastics

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

MIT researchers Jeremiah Johnson, Professor of Chemistry, and Keith Nelson, Professor of Chemistry, published a Nature paper on June 3, 2026 showing mechanophore cross-linking boosts ballistic resistance of polystyrene and SBS rubber.
Testing with 10-micron silica beads at ~750 m/s found mechanophore-enhanced polymers dissipated 115 percent more energy than thermosets.
Researchers say the approach could extend shoe-sole, roofing and tire lifespans, cutting tire microplastic emissions that make up at least 10 percent of microplastics.

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Story summary

MIT researchers Jeremiah Johnson, Professor of Chemistry, and Keith Nelson, Professor of Chemistry, published a Nature paper on June 3, 2026 showing mechanophore cross-linking boosts ballistic resistance of polystyrene and SBS rubber.
Testing with 10-micron silica beads at ~750 m/s found mechanophore-enhanced polymers dissipated 115 percent more energy than thermosets.
Researchers say the approach could extend shoe-sole, roofing and tire lifespans, cutting tire microplastic emissions that make up at least 10 percent of microplastics.