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The stretchy material that generates ultraviolet light without batteries
The stretchy material that lights up on its own
Imagine pulling on a rubber band and watching it glow, without a battery, plug, or hidden circuit. That is no longer science fiction. Researchers in China have developed a flexible elastic material that produces ultraviolet light simply by being stretched, bent, or rubbed. It powers itself using movement alone.
The breakthrough comes from a collaboration between scientists at Shandong University and the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their work points to a future where sensors, coatings, and even everyday surfaces can generate light and energy through normal use.
How movement turns into light
At the heart of this invention is a clever mix of chemistry and physics. The researchers embedded microscopic particles of an inorganic phosphor called strontium borate, doped with praseodymium ions, into a soft silicone-based polymer known as polydimethylsiloxane.
When the material is stretched or bent, friction and contact at the boundary between the particles and the elastic polymer cause electrons to move. This process creates a tiny electric field inside the material. That field excites the praseodymium ions, which then release energy in the form of ultraviolet light.
In simple terms, mechanical stress becomes visible light, with no external power source involved.
Why this ultraviolet glow matters
The light produced peaks at a wavelength of 272 nanometres. This falls into the solar blind ultraviolet range, meaning it is not drowned out by sunlight. Even in bright outdoor conditions, the glow can be detected clearly. That makes it especially useful for tracking, sensing, and signalling in real-world environments.
Laboratory tests showed that the material produced a radiant power density of about 6.2 milliwatts per square metre during its first stretch. Even after 10,000 cycles of repeated strain, the glow was still detectable, which speaks to its durability.
A material that heals itself
One of the more surprising features is how the material recovers. When the stretching stops, the internal bonds at the interface begin to reform on their own. After just one second of rest, the light output can recover to over forty percent of its original intensity. After a full day, it can climb back to around ninety percent.
There is a limit, though. Moderate stretching of up to about forty percent delivers the best balance of brightness and lifespan. Push it too far and too often, and the interface begins to degrade more quickly.
From robot skin to cleaner surfaces
The potential uses are wide-ranging. The team sees applications in self-powered mechanical load sensors, flexible coatings for smart devices, and artificial skin for robots that can sense stress without complex electronics.
In one striking demonstration, the researchers attached a thin film of the material to a model bird’s wing. As the wing flapped, the film emitted a steady ultraviolet glow, acting as a self-powered optical tag that remained visible even in bright conditions.
Another promising area is hygiene. Hard ultraviolet light is known for its ability to kill bacteria. Tests showed that stretching the film produced enough radiation to eliminate harmful microbes such as E. coli and Staphylococcus. This raises the possibility of self-sterilising surfaces for things like door handles or medical tools that clean themselves as they are used.
Early days, but big reactions
While this work is still firmly in the research stage, it has sparked excitement online among scientists and tech watchers. Many see it as a step towards reducing reliance on batteries in wearable technology and smart devices, a growing concern as electronic waste piles up globally.
For now, the researchers are focused on refining the material. Future experiments will aim to strengthen the interface, improve long-term durability, and better understand how mechanical force translates into light output. If those challenges can be solved, this glowing elastic could quietly change how we power small technologies in everyday life.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Light Sources
