While many of the latest innovative materials in industry today have yet to be used outside of the lab, their invention is already expanding manufacturing capabilities, allowing us to create new, exciting things and drive the world forward. Let’s explore some of the latest developments:
Nickel like Porous, "Metallic Wood”
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently created a new type of nickel by manipulating its atomic structure, publishing their findings in Nature Scientific Reports. Utilizing an architectural approach, the researchers designed a sheet of metal with nanoscale pores – resulting in a metal four to five times lighter than titanium – but just as strong.
James Pikul, the lead researcher of the study and an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at UPenn Engineering, describes the metal as “metallic wood” due to its porous properties.
One of the future applications of using porous metals for high specification applications hinges on the empty spaces in the metal’s structure. These spaces could potentially be filled with energy-storing materials, making the material particularly useful for smart architecture.
Fibers with Metallic Strength and Rubberized Elasticity
From soft robots to smart clothes, there is an increasing demand for materials with the strength of metal and the elasticity of rubber.
Researchers at North Carolina State University recently developed a new type of fiber that combines these properties. The fiber features a gallium core, a soft metal frequently used in electronics applications, encased by an elastic polymer covering. The metal core provides strength while the elastic polymer absorbs strain when the metal breaks.
According to Michael Dickey, one of the paper’s authors and a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, “the fiber won’t snap and drop a heavyweight. Instead, by releasing energy repeatedly through internal breaks, the fiber lowers the weight slowly and steadily.”
The fiber is only in the proof of concept phase but shows promise for applications requiring strong, flexible materials.
An Alternative to Plastics
While plastics are some of the most versatile materials used in both high-tech and everyday applications, their inability to biodegrade makes them some of the most environmentally problematic substances.
Researchers continue to pursue alternative materials that can serve as a substitute without the environmental ramifications. Recently, researchers from the Center of Research on Advanced Fiber Technologies (CRAFT) at Pennsylvania State University discovered a material that has the potential to revolutionize the technical world with a surprising origin – squid tentacles.
Research indicates that these cephalopods produce a specific kind of protein in their arms, specifically in their suckers, that offers unique strength, elasticity, the ability to self-heal, electrical and thermal conductivity, and flexibility. The suction cups on their tentacles feature ringed teeth, which these creatures use to ensnare their prey.
Not only are these materials biodegradable, but they are also environmentally sustainable; scientists would be able to produce the material in large quantities using laboratory culture techniques.
