Liquid Metal Composites for Lightweight, Reconfigurable, and Self-Healing Machines
- Detailed Technology Description
- A material database is developed of low-density, liquid metal composites that can be selectively frozen into a solid with a variety of mechanical and material properties (e.g. density, stiffness, magnetic and optical), and morphable tools are designed using the materials.
- Others
-
Van Meerbeek, Ilse, et al. "Morphing Metal and Elastomer Bicontinuous Foams for Reversible Stiffness, Shape Memory, and Self-Healing Soft Machines." Advanced Materials 10.1002 (2016)
PCT Application WO2015061473
- *Abstract
-
These molten, low-temperature alloys can be used to actuate soft robotics and to take the form of multiple tools using single devices, i.e. tools that can be quickly and easily reshaped to different forms to perform multiple tasks. The liquid state of the metal is used to actuate the soft machines, and the frozen state is used for stiff support structures and devices, such as cutting blades, screwdrivers, and other rigid tools.
Potential Applications:
Aerospace, automotive and other applications requiring lightweight materials, moving parts and multiple functionality.
Advantages:
- Light weight
- Ability to be used for multiple functions
- *Licensing
- Carolyn A. Theodorecat42@cornell.edu (607) 254 4514
- Country/Region
- USA
