Leeds innovator LC AuxeTec has secured £2m seed investment to develop its "world first" material that could revolutionise the way products such as electronic screens and glass are made.
The University of Leeds spin-out has received the backing of Northern Gritstone to develop its auxetic materials - which become thicker rather than thinner when stretched - from liquid crystal elastomers. The firm believes it is the world's first synthetic material which is auxetic at the molecular level.
It expands under pressure which could provide useful characteristics for products that need to absorb shocks, as well as resist fractures and tears. LC AuxeTec has already identified electronic screens and glass for buildings and vehicles as possible uses.
