Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Weird Wednesday ~ Living Wire




Researchers from North Carolina State University have succeeded in engineering self-healing wire. This electricity conducting live wire contains a core of liquid metal - a fluid alloy of gallium and indium. The liquid is housed within a polymer sheath that's also stretchable. If the wire is cut, the liquid alloy oxidizes, forming a hard crust. Much like the way blood clots to stop bleeding. Beneath it outer crust, the alloy is still liquid and retains its ability to conduct electricity. When the two severed ends of the wire are joined together, the alloy's electrical connection is restored. The outer polymer sheath is also self-healing. When two severed ends are placed against one another, the sheath re-forms its molecular bonds.

4 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

What will they think of next? Amazing.

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

Wow! That's mighty interesting! I echo Debra, what will they think of next?

Dede said...

This is very kewl! The possibilities are endless with this stuff.

(((HUGS)))

Introverted Art said...

AMAZING!