1 Mar 2013
ERJ staff report (BC)
Richmond, Virginia – A University of Virginia scientist has developed a silicone rubber that is both rigid and fluid (a viscoelastic solid), reports Fariss Samarrai of PhysOrg.
Professor Lou Blomfield of the College of Arts and Sciences developed his "Vistik" in response to irritation with tables which wobble due to one leg being shorter than the rest. Placed under the short leg, Vistik conforms to the shape of the leg bottom and the floor surface, perfectly filling the gap.
MeadWestvaco Corporation, a Richmond packaging company, is reported as investigating ways to use Vistik as a resealable adhesive for packages.
Blomfield envisages other applications such as replacements for plastic zip strips on storage bags; shoe insoles; contact points for walking sticks, crutches and prosthetics; toys, and balls with different bounce rates such as baseballs and tennis balls.
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