Smart putty has been available for a long time as an amusement, but this visco‐elastic polymer has serious engineering applications
Soft, stretchy and bendy when moved slowly, solid when trying to move quickly or impacted
It has the remarkable property that it usually behaves as a soft mouldable plastic (like chewing gum), but instantly becomes a rubber if impacted and bounces like a ball
It can also float in a liquid and will form a puddle given enough time
It is a great demonstration of an unusual polymer, a useful adhesive and can be used in many creative and fun activities
