A blueprint for reversible wrinkling in composite materials

The ability to wrinkle in response to certain stimuli has evolved into many natural composite materials:The squid’s eye has a silvery sheen because it is lined with wavy layers of silvery reflectors.

Wrinkles in the cell walls of numerous plants permit expansion without strain.Last but not least, wrinkled lamellae in the inner lining of arteries can be indicators of coronary heart disease and serve as markers for the condition.

Based on these natural examples, scientists believe that learning how materials internally wrinkle could aid in the development of responsive new materials for chemical sensing, medical diagnostics, and optical and acoustic wave control.