News in Brief Materials Science

Stretchy fiber lets electrons flow

Folded layers of carbon nanotubes

BEND, BUT DON’T BREAK  Folded layers of carbon nanotubes, seen under a scanning electron microscope, allow an elastic fiber to conduct electrical current when stretched.

The Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute

By Andrew Grant

- More than 2 years ago

A carbon-wrapped rubber rope keeps electrical current flowing even when stretched, twisted and bent. The flexible fiber, reported in the July 24 Science, could inspire flexible electronic displays, better pacemaker leads and stretchable power cords.