Chaotic polymer vibrations may unlock stronger, flexible thermal insulators

University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers have explored a new approach for creating flame-retardant, low-conductivity plastics that remain strong and flexible by restricting heat-carrying vibrational channels. This design framework has potential applications in lightweight thermal insulation for spacesuits, thermal protection for spacecraft, and advanced building materials to minimize heating and cooling losses, as detailed in the journal Materials Horizons.

University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers have demonstrated a possible new avenue for developing flame-retardant and generally low-conductivity (low-heat-transfer) plastics that retain the benefits of being strong and flexible by limiting the accessibility of heat-carrying vibrational channels in the material. This new design framework has promising applications, including lightweight thermal insulation materials for spacesuits, thermal protection components for spacecraft, and advanced building materials that reduce heating and cooling losses. The study is published in the journal Materials Horizons.