Technology

Created fiber, which can become a "skin" for robots

Unfortunately, scientists have not yet invented the idealmaterial that possesses all the properties at once - as long as it sounds like a fantasy. Nevertheless, they are working to create a universal fiber, which can be used in the maximum number of devices, ranging from automobiles and ending with robotics. A team of researchers from North Carolina State University approached this by presenting a wire that has both strength and elasticity. Perhaps it will make an excellent material to protect the entrails of robots.

The fiber created by researchers hasa metal core of gallium and wrapped with an elastic polymer shell of styrene, ethylene and butylene. Initially, the wire has a metallic strength, but after breaking the core apart, it can be stretched seven times the original length. Gallium, which is inside, has a melting point of just 30 degrees, so after returning the fiber to its original state it can easily recover and restore its former strength.

According to study author Michael Dickey, forStretching the polymer shell does not need great strength. This means that the woven of these fibers can be used to cover the moving parts of robots. Being stationary they will be fully protected, and when moving they will stretch freely and strengthen again when stopped. Due to gallium filling, the fiber can withstand a mass of 15,000 times its own weight.

The development of new materials is constantly. A team of scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles recently managed to create durable and lightweight material that will be used in the future to protect rockets and automobiles from high temperatures.

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