Unveiling the Secrets of Oobleck-like Fluids for Smart Material Design

Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have used piezoelectric nanoparticles to study the physics of non-Newtonian fluids, such as oobleck. They discovered that friction between particles plays a crucial role in the transition of these fluids from a liquid to a more solid structure. This understanding could lead to the design of new non-Newtonian fluids with practical applications, such as paint that doesn't clump, liquids that harden when shaken, and wearable protective gear that stiffens upon impact. The research also paves the way for the development of adaptive and responsive materials that become stiffer under mechanical force.