The Strength of Polymers: Weaker Bonds, Stronger Results.

Chemists from MIT and Duke University have discovered a way to make polymers stronger by introducing weaker bonds into the material. By adding weak linkers to a polymer network, the researchers found that they could increase the materials’ resistance to tearing up to tenfold, without altering any other physical properties of the polymers. This breakthrough could have a significant impact on increasing the lifespan of rubber tires and reducing microplastic waste, among other applications.