Scientists invent a new 3D-printed material which shrinks when heated.
Researchers have managed to develop a new 3D-printed material with a unique property. The ‘metamaterial’ is able to shrink when it exposed to heat. After it has cooled down to its normal temperature the material expands to its original size.
According to the laws of physics, things made from solid materials like rubber, glass, and metals expand when heated. Only a few substances like cold water contract when they are heated. However, this new discovery manages to somewhat bend these laws by having an opposite reaction to heat.
The newly discovered material was the result of a research study published in the journal Physical Review Letters on October 21st. The scientists describe the process that went into the development of the new metamaterial. Generally speaking, metamaterials are engineered to have certain properties that are not found in natural materials.
According to the research paper, the material was made through a 3D printing process called microstereolithography. Researchers used this process to print lightweight microlattice structures from a polymer and polymer/copper composite which have a negative thermal expansion. The structures have the ability of flex inward, which gives the material the property to contract when exposed to a range of temperatures.
Scientists have already considered potential applications for this new negative thermal expansion 3D-printed material. It can be used to security parts in microchips in a passive way so they can remain in place without the need for active cooling and heating. According to Nicholas Fang from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who is researcher involved in the study, the material can even be used in printed circuit boards which tend to heat up the CPU is running. Their sudden heating can affect the performance and thus required extra care to account for this type of stress. This problem wouldn’t be an issue if you are using this new 3D-printed material.
Another interesting application for the metamaterial is using it in dental fillings. This would make them more secure when a patient is eating hot food. The thermal expansion material can even be used in the construction of bridges and buildings with solid padding. However, before we see any real-world applications, the material requires more research and testing.
What do you think about the potential of this 3D-printed material?
Image source: MIT
Michael Turner
