Scientists have developed a new magnetic liquid metal that able to stretch and move in three-dimensional space without the need for complete immersion in liquid.
‘Terminator’-like liquid metal moves and stretches – Headline Science
In film «Terminator» the evil robot could take various forms and penetrate through narrow holes due to its liquid metal structure. Modern devices don’t have this capability, but a team of researchers from the American Chemical Society has refined the technology. Scientists have developed a new metal that can be used to create flexible robotics.
Previous versions of liquid metals have high surface tension, so they can only move horizontally and require full immersion in the liquid to prevent thickening. To solve this problem, scientists added iron particles to an alloy of gallium, indium and tin, immersed in hydrochloric acid..
A layer of gallium oxide formed on the surface of the drop, which reduced the surface tension of the liquid metal..
Using two magnets, they stretched the substance nearly four times, and could also lift it vertically into the air and move the raised portion horizontally to connect the two electrodes and light the LED lamp. Researchers compare metal to amphibious.
We also previously reported that Stanford scientists have improved seawater electrolysis technology..
text: Ilya Bauer, photo and video: American Chemical Society