Magnetic orientation of nanoscopic objects in dispersions and subsequent in situ polymerization produced anisotropic soft materials, in which highly oriented structures (order parameter = > 0.95) extended over a macroscopic size scale (~10 cm). The resultant materials exhibited unprecedented unique functions that are reminiscent of biological tissues, including ultralarge mechanical anisotropy, similar to articular cartilages, quick and large deformation, similar to muscular tissues, and dynamic structural color modulation, similar to the skin of tropical fish.
- Noriyuki Uchida
- Yasuhiro Ishida
