Sugru

For my engineering class, we have been learning about polymers. As a result, we have learned about a new substance called Sugru. I had to write a paper describing Sugru and its creation for my engineering class. Then suddenly I had a thought, "Hey, since I'm writing this incredibly detailed paper for my engineering class, I should post my paper on my blog so my faithful and devoted followers can read it." Basically, I am killing two birds with one stone. (No mom, this is not a cop out, this is creativity at its best.) So here is my paper in all its glory.

Note: Hack means to find a clever solution to a problem you have.

Sugru is the creation of Jane ní Dhulchaointigh, an Irish woman who was inspired to create the material by objects she encountered in her every day life.  The main reason Jane decided to create Sugru stemmed from her desire to stop replacing items that she already owned.  To create this mystery substance Jane recruited two material scientists, Ian and Steve, to bring the substance to life. After seven years of following the design cycle (understanding, brainstorming, constructing, testing, and reviewing), the mystery substance came to life in the form of Sugru.  Officially called formerol, Sugru is a silicone based polymer.  A polymer is a chain of large molecules. Polymers are known for their elasticity, strength and toughness. In its initial state, Sugru’s properties resemble Play-Doh, it is malleable and can be molded and shaped into many different designs.  However, Sugru’s usefulness rests not only in its initial clay-like state, but also in a hard, durable state as well.  After being exposed to air, you have thirty minutes to mold the Sugru into the shape or form you wish to create. Once molded, the Sugru needs to around twenty four hours to cure before it sets.  Following the curing process, Sugru becomes a tough and flexible compound that is water and heat resistant and can also stick other materials. Sugru is heat and cold resistant from negative sixty degrees Fahrenheit to three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Due to its many resistances, Sugru has many uses.  People have used Sugru to fix glasses, repair shoes, and create grips for cameras and other hand-held devices.  Using Sugru on every day objects can increase the durability and decrease the wear and tear the objects go through. Conveniently, Sugru is also dishwasher and washing machine safe, allowing it to be used on dishes, glasses, and clothes.  Thanks to Jane ní Dhulchaointigh, we no longer need to worry about holes in our shoes, or replacing a bowl because it has a small chip in it. All we have to do is grab  some Sugru and hack it!