Light Gold Composite: Amyloid Fibril Templating for Homogeneous Gold Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite materials comprising gold and polymers suffer from agglomeration issues, leading to inferior physical and visual properties, making them unsuitable for commercial applications due to low density and low Young’s modulus, which results in materials that behave like sponges and are not suitable for decorative or ornamental articles.
Innovation Solution
A composite material comprising amyloid fibrils, elemental gold in the form of single crystal gold platelets or nanoparticles, and a polymer, where the gold is homogeneously distributed within the polymer matrix, achieving a density of 0.7-3.9 g/cm3 and a Young’s modulus of 10 MPa to 30,000 MPa, allowing for tunable density and stiffness, and a golden shining appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gold particles are co-extruded with polymer, then composite material is obtained, but gold particles agglomerate leading to inferior physical and visual properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stabilizing agent as an intermediary substance that prevents gold particle agglomeration during the co-extrusion process. This stabilizing agent acts as a mediator between the gold particles and polymer matrix, ensuring uniform distribution and preventing the harmful agglomeration effect while maintaining the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-component composite material system consisting of gold particles, polymer matrix, and stabilizing agent. This composite approach allows combining the desirable properties of each component: the aesthetic and functional properties of gold, the structural properties of polymer, and the dispersing properties of the stabilizing agent, thereby achieving both ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
2Weight of moving object
If amyloid-gold hybrid materials are used, then low density is achieved, but Young's modulus is too low causing sponge-like behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system combining amyloid-gold hybrid materials with polymer matrix. This composite approach allows achieving low density from the amyloid-gold component while the polymer matrix provides structural support and enhances Young's modulus, thereby resolving the contradiction between light weight and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the composite material by adjusting the composition ratios, cross-linking density, and molecular weight of the polymer matrix. These parameter changes enable tuning of the material properties to achieve both low density and sufficient Young's modulus, transforming the sponge-like behavior into a structurally sound material.
3Illumination intensity
If gold is used to achieve golden shining appearance, then aesthetic properties are improved, but density increases making it heavier than aluminum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by using gold particles only in specific locations and at specific concentrations within the polymer matrix - specifically, gold particles are dispersed locally rather than used as a bulk material. This localized application provides the desired golden shining appearance while minimizing the overall gold content and resulting weight, making the composite lighter than traditional gold alloys.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite material exhibits improved mechanical properties, including high Young’s modulus and a golden appearance, making it suitable for applications in watches, jewelry, radiation shielding, catalysis, and electronics, while maintaining a density lower than aluminum, thus addressing the limitations of previous materials.
Implementation Method 1
elemental gold is present as single crystal gold platelets
Implementation Method 2
elemental gold in the form of single crystal gold platelets or nanoparticles
Implementation Method 3
composite material comprising amyloid fibrils, elemental gold in the form of single crystal gold platelets or nanoparticles, and a polymer
Implementation Method 4
converting the thus obtained hydrogel into an aerogel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel composite materials comprising elemental gold in the form of single crystals, amyloid fibrils and a polymer. This composite material is similar to glassy plastics yet lighter than aluminum and has a golden shining similar to 18K gold. Due to its unique properties, this composite is termed “light gold”. This composite material suits, for example, watches, jewelry, radiation shielding, catalysis and electronics. The invention further provides for environmentally friendly methods to manufacture such composite materials.