Switching it Up: Metals Change Material Properies at Will
USINFO | 2013-10-09 17:07

The superhydrophobic (meaning really, really repulsive to water) coating was discovered when Ross Technology was looking for a product that would reduce corrosion on steel parts. Their chief scientist went to work and created a coating so slick that you can spray it onto basically anything and it’ll keep moisture, ice, dirt and bacteria off. According to the president of Ross Technology, he coated his iPhone with NeverWet and submerged it in water for 30 minutes, then pulled it out to find it worked just fine. We wouldn’t suggest trying that one yourself, but we’re definitely going to pick up a can of this stuff when it becomes available in 2012 and spray it oneverything. 

The secret is actually quite simple: corrosion. When precious metals like platinum or gold are placed in an acidic solution, tiny pits and ducts are formed in the metal. The pores are filled with a conductive liquid such as saline solution, creating what the scientists call “a marriage of metal and water.” Ions are dissolved in the liquid which influence the metallic surface atoms. The catalyst to switch the material between hard and soft is electricity: varying charges can make the material super-strong (but more prone to breakage) or super-soft (but weaker). By changing its state along with the situation, the material could avoid serious damage or even heal itself. The ultimate goal is to create “intelligent” materials that can withstand all kinds of stresses – we just hope they don’t get too intelligent.

 

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