Researchers at Caltech, led by Professor Chiara Daraio, have developed an intriguing new type of material that behaves like both a solid and a liquid, depending on the type of stress applied. This innovative material, called PAM (short for polycatenated architected materials), could have a wide range of applications, including protective gear like helmets, biomedical devices, and robotics.

While PAMs don’t occur naturally, their concept is inspired by ancient chain mail, which consists of small metal rings linked together to create flexible armor. However, PAMs take this idea to the next level. Instead of simple interlocking rings, they are made up of complex, interconnected shapes arranged in three-dimensional patterns with nearly limitless configurations. These unique structures, created using 3D printing technology by Daraio and her team, demonstrate properties that are unlike any other known materials.

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