Page 26 - Biomimetics: Technology Imitates Nature

Biomimetics: Technology Imitates Nature

and arrows. Fiberglass is created by mixing fine glass fibers with a jelly-
like plastic called polymer. As the polymer hardens, the composite sub-
stance that emerges is light, strong and flexible. Altering the fibers or plas-
tic substance used in the mixture also changes the composite’s proper-
ties. 24
Composites consisting of graphite and carbon fibers are among the
ten best engineering discoveries of the last 25 years. With these, light-
structured composite materials are designed for new planes, space shut-
tle parts, sports equipment, Formula-1 racing cars and yachts, and new
discoveries are quickly being made. Yet so far, manmade composites are
much more primitive and frail than those occurring naturally.
Like all the extraordinary structures, substances and systems in na-
ture, the composites touched on briefly here are each an example of God’s
extraordinary art of creation. Many verses of the Qur’an draw attention to
the unique nature and perfection of this creation. God reveals the incal-

Thanks to their superior properties, light composite materials are used in a wide num-
ber of purposes, from space technology to sports equipment.

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