Materials Evolution by Programmed Twisting: a DNA‐Inspired Ultrastrong Supercoiled Conformational Fiber for Energy‐Storage and Buffering

Abstract

Abstract The conformational folding/unfolding behaviors of DNA supercoils serve as a fundamental mechanism governing ultradense bio‐information storage and precise genetic transcription. Mimicking those nanoscale dynamic conformational behaviors for macroscopic materials to achieve unusual functionalities will be of great interest but remains unexplored. Herein, a DNA‐inspired materials evolution paradigm is presented to create multifunctional supercoiled conformational fibers (SCFs) by programmed twisting controlled self‐buckling. Through the programmed twist‐stress modulation, a low‐density polyethylene strip is transformed into high‐performance DNA‐like SCF through a unique multiscale microstructure evolution process. This DNA‐like SCF exhibits five hallmark characteristics unattainable before, including ultra‐large elastic deformability (900 ± 50%), metal‐level mechanical strength (330 ± 30 MPa), unprecedented torsional energy‐storage density (16.1 ± 0.6 kJ kg −1 ), torsional energy release upon appropriate stimulations, and impact buffering through conformation‐mediated energy‐dissipation. Characterization reveals that these unexpected energy‐related properties mainly are contributed by the multiscale twisting‐reinforced microstructures and conformation mechanics. Potential applications of the SCFs are demonstrated finally by harvest‐and‐storage of wind energy and soft‐landing. The DNA‐like SCFs indicate a general platform for materials evolution with extraordinary mechanics and functions.