Proteins for making tough rubber

Inspired by nature, scientists have produced a synthetic analogue to vulcanized natural rubber. Their material is just as tough and durable as the original. They reveal the secret to their success: short protein chains attached to the side-chains of the polymer backbone ensure stable physical cross-linkage and give the material a ''self-reinforcing'' effect under strain. In contrast to conventional rubbers, it is much easier to recycle.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2Ql0X9f