MIT chemists design impact-resistant plastics
MIT chemists have developed a method to enhance the impact resistance of common polymers like polystyrene and rubber. By introducing weaker bonds as cross-linkers, these materials can better dissipate energy during impacts. This innovation could lead to improved applications in various industries, including packaging and electronics.
- ▪The new polymers can double the strength of traditional materials like polystyrene and rubber.
- ▪Weak bonds are introduced to allow the material to absorb energy more effectively during impacts.
- ▪The research team is exploring the potential for this method to be applied to other types of polymers.
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Introducing weaker bonds into polystyrene and rubber helps these materials dissipate energy, making them more resistant to destructive forces. Anne Trafton | MIT News Publication Date: June 3, 2026 Press Inquiries Press Contact: Sarah McDonnell Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-253-8923 Fax: 617-258-8762 MIT News Office Media Download ↓ Download Image Caption: MIT chemists showed they can double the strength of common polymers, including polystyrene and a type of rubber used to make shoe soles. Credits: Credit: MIT News; iStock ↓ Download Image Caption: The MIT team tested the impact resistance of their new polymers by firing tiny projectiles at them. At far left is a traditional polystyrene film, at center and right are two versions of polystyrene made with weak crosslinkers.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at MIT News.