Controlling Liquid Metal with Electricity

Controlling Liquid Metal with Electricity
Sep-22-14
Researchers have found a way to manipulate liquid metals using electricity, which could lead to a new generation of shape-shifting circuits and antennas.

The method, developed by a team from North Carolina State University, involves applying a very low voltage to a liquid metal alloy of gallium and indium. This particular alloy has a very high surface tension, which causes it to form a ball when left alone on a surface. When the team applied a voltage of less than one volt to the ball of liquid metal, the surface tension lowered significantly and the metal flattened out. Flipping the polarity of the charge restored the surface tension level and caused the ball to re-form. The team also found out that varying the voltage allowed them to control the viscosity of the metal.

According to lead author Dr. Michael Dickey, the technique could be used to change an antenna's shape, complete or break circuits, and even lead to self-healing electronics.



More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMODO.COM]
[NEWS.NCSU.EDU]
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This is exciting - we have an interest in gallium liquids and have this difficulty. Our solution is not as simple nor as elegant.
Good work and thank you for sharing.
Posted by Dene Taylor on September 24, 2014
Thank you. Please feel free to contact us if you need help.
Posted by Michael Dickey on September 24, 2014
Great invention.Thank you for sharing
Posted by ANIL VORA on September 24, 2014

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