Researchers at Stanford have reported the first high energy density shape memory polymer based on the formation of strain-induced supramolecular nanostructures, which immobilize stretched chains to store entropic energy.
Engineers in Prof. Mark Cutkosky's laboratory have developed patented electrostrictive elements that can support high loads over a long lifetime when used as variable suspension systems for robots, autonomous vehicles or prosthetics.
Engineers at Stanford University have developed a technique for producing piezoelectric graphene that could be used to create two-dimensional “straintronic” materials for powering or controling nanoscale devices.
Researchers in Prof. Zhenan Bao's laboratory have developed a high-performance, self-healing dielectric elastomer that could be used in stretchable electronics or robotic applications.