A team at Tufts University developed a coating that changes colour where it is struck. The coating contains tiny round particles with a colour-changing polymer inside a protective silk protein shell.
When the surface is hit, the inner polymer changes from deep blue to bright red. The silk shell reduces false triggers and can be adjusted to respond to different force levels. The colour change remains and creates a permanent map of impacts.
The paint can be brushed, sprayed or drop cast onto paper, plastic, wood, metal and curved or flexible objects. Because it needs no electronics it is light, cheap and simple to scale. Possible uses include helmets for concussion monitoring, tracking package handling and insoles for gait analysis.
Difficult words
- coating — A thin layer put on a surfaceThe paint
- polymer — A large material made of many small molecules
- shell — An outer layer that protects something inside
- impact — A hit or force on a surfaceimpacts
- permanent — Lasting a long time; not easily changed
- concussion — A brain injury caused by a strong blow
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Discussion questions
- Would you use this paint on a helmet or a package? Why?
- How could a permanent map of impacts help people?
- Which objects where you live could be painted with this coating?
