3 replies to this topic

[maestro949]

Stronger, more durable, more elastic, impact resistant and unlike traditional alloys it can be injection molded. Most importantly it's biocompatible. This is a great material for coating synthetic implants, reconstructive devices and even for artificial organ components.

Engineer Live Article - October 2006

Discover Article - April 2004

Company Website

[xanadu]

That is extremely interesting, maestro. I could use a set of glassy metal drill bits and an artificial joint made of the stuff might last forever. At $15 a pound its not that expensive for applications that need it. I wouldn't build a whole car out of it at that price but cutting tools, bearings and other parts that wear out would be perfect. In the car you might use it in the pistons and cylinder linings, bearings, break drums and so on. The fact it can be used to coat other metals means you wouldn't have to make the whole part out of liquid metal, just a thin coating would do. I'm surprised there isn't more about this in the news. Good find.

[maestro949]

Good stuff indeed though there's the dilemma for companies that super-engineer products of the future with materials like this. Suppose razor blade manufacturers make razor blades out of liquid metal. They never rust and take dozens of years of usage to lose their sharpness. At some point everyone who wants one has one. What happens to that market that relied on razor blades rusting and dulling. Same issue with automobiles and many other products that are disposable. They will last longer and longer as efficiencies in engineering improve. I'm sure that $15/lb will come down and many more nano-based compounds will be found further eroding markets based on disposable goods. Something to think about for long-term investors.

[xanadu]

Maestro, I don't think that will be any problem at all. The automobile put the horse out to pasture and those who invested in buggy whip manufacturors lost money. But, the automobile made possible great increaces in productivity. Neglecting emissions, the automobile was a leap forward. Less parts wearing out means that people who spent their lives making those parts can devote their time to something more worthwhile. The consumer is the beneficiary.

We will be able to make things stronger and lighter than before. LM foams are lighter than wood but as strong as steel. I can see them used as artificial bones as well as building material. A thin coating over the surface makes a base metal rust resistant and nearly impervious to wear as well as stronger. Cars may last for a lifetime instead of heading for the junkheap in less than 20 years. Bullet proof armor will become cheap as well as armor for the home. Drive by shootings are becoming way too common now days. Make the stuff into threads and weave it into cloth. Use the threads to reinforce concrete to make it nearly unbreakable.

Is liquid metal really a nanotechnology?