Researchers from the University of the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (TIPCCAS), as well as from Tsinghua University have made a scientific discovery that may be revolutionary. They have in fact succeeded in developing a liquid metal with properties more or less similar to the robot T-1000, the main antagonist in the film Terminator 2. This very particular metal appears in the form of droplets that can move on their own. Details.
An alloy capable of moving on its own
The Chinese scientists developed the liquid metal by mixing three components: gallium, indium and tin. The liquid result is only possible at temperatures below -19°C.
Those behind the project explained that the droplets could only move if they were wrapped in tiny flakes of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). This gives them non-stick and ultra-elastic properties. In the absence of Teflon, a thin oxidation layer forms on the surface of the droplets. They then immediately adhere to the surface and therefore cannot move. Note that before being wrapped in Teflon, each liquid bead is first dipped in a sodium hydroxide solution for a few seconds.
The scientists from TIPCCAS and Tsinghua University demonstrated that this alloy can move in a straight line, roll freely and/or bounce upon impact. It is also capable of moving between obstacles. This liquid metal also has the ability to change shape. Finally, its movement capabilities can last between half an hour and one hour.
Many possible applications
Once fully developed, this liquid metal will undoubtedly revolutionize the fields of electronics and “soft” robotics. Its ability to change shape will indeed make it the perfect alloy for the development of embedded control systems, sensors or even computers. Especially since three years ago, enles scientists had conducted tests revealing that it was also possible to move the droplets using an electric field.
Otherwise, this innovative metal also proves to be the perfect component for the development of “soft” robots, that is to say built with “non-hard materials” (e.g.: exoskeletons…). The final result could well be spectacular! In the meantime, research continues to make the droplets reactive to external irritant agents. The goal is to be able to bring their shape-changing abilities closer to those of the T-1000 in the film Terminator.