New Plastic Material Could Revolutionize Space Travel A groundbreaking plastic material has been developed by researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. This material has the ability to be shaped into different forms through a process known as tempering, similar to how a blacksmith works with steel. The material retains its stiffness even after returning to room temperature, making it a potential game-changer for space travel, recycling, and beyond. The team envisions its use in various environments with limited resources, such as space, sea, or battlefield, and its potential applications in soft robotics and plastics recycling. This innovation could drastically change the way astronauts pack for space missions, as it offers the flexibility to adapt to different needs using a single material.