HostWelcome to the Future Materials Showcase. I'll walk you through five exhibits, each showing a material that could change how we build everyday things.
HostFirst, on the central plinth, is the carbon-fibre frame. The headline here is that it is lighter than steel but just as strong, which is why racing teams love it.
HostTo its left sits the self-healing concrete. When tiny cracks appear, hidden bacteria fill them in, so it repairs itself when it cracks.
HostOn the right you'll see a sheet of smart glass. The clever trick is that it changes colour in sunlight, dimming a room without any blinds.
HostBehind that is the breathable fabric. Designed for tents and coats, it lets water pass but keeps dirt out — perfect for wet climates.
HostAnd last, by the exit, the green plastic. Unlike normal plastic, it breaks down harmlessly in soil within a single season.