Quantum Tunnelling Composite
A collection of resources to support teaching about Quantum Tunnelling Composite.
QTC: A Remarkable New Material to Control Electricity
This booklet provides a comprehensive overview of the discovery, properties and applications for QTC with suggestions for teachers on how to introduce the ideas in the classroom, plus student activity sheets and notes for teachers and technicians.
QTC (Quantum Tunnelling Composite) was invented (or discovered) by David Lussey in 1997. It was an ‘accidental’ discovery as he was trying to develop an adhesive that would conduct electricity.
QTC consists of tiny nickel particles embedded in a rubbery polymer material. When QTC is deformed in some way - by squeezing, stretching or twisting - the nickel particles get closer to each other and the material becomes a conductor. The more it is deformed, the closer the particles get and the better the material is at conducting electricity
QTC - Making the Most of a Novel Material
This Catalyst article can be used to introduce Quantum Tunnelling as a composite designed by accident.