Technology specialists have discovered a new type of “electronic ink” that opens the way of a new generation of electronic devices. With the help of this discovery can be created gadgets that change their shape and rigidity according to needs.
The new discovery will change the use of phones for example photo pexels
Applications based on a chemical element made in the laboratory can completely change the existing technology. It is about galliu, a chemical element that is not found in nature, in its elementary form, but is extracted in the form of salts from the bauxite and zinc ores, being subsequently processed in the laboratory. Scientists have exploited the unique properties of the gall and created an “electronic ink” capable of amazing things. With her help, circuits can be created that can switch a device from rigid to flexible state when needed. In other words we could have smart phones that, if necessary, can become flexible.
Last generation devices that change their shape and stiffness
Based on the properties of the gall, this “electronic ink” has been developed that can be used to print electronic circuits capable of switching between rigid and soft states when heated. “The ink combines galliu, a solid metal at room temperature, but melting slightly below the body temperature, with a polymer -based solvent. The polymer solvent decomposes when it is easily heated. The result is a stable, printable substance, which becomes conductive after heating and can change its stiffness”says those from “LiveScience”, in an article published by Owen Hughes.
This technology could open the path for next generation electronic devices that change their shape or rigidity. They can have multiple applications, from medical implants that become flexible inside the body and to flexible robotics with different applications. “This opens new possibilities for personal electronics, medical devices and robotics of the future”said the co-author of the study in a statement, Jae-Woong Jeong, professor of electrical engineering at the Korean Institute of Science and Advanced Technology, quoted by “LiveScience”.
Electronics with variable rigidity, a new generation in technology
The results of the research were published in the magazine “Science Advances” and show that it all started with the thorough study of the properties of the gall. It behaves differently in liquid and solid forms and could provide answers in the area of new generation technology. However, it was difficult to use for the printed electronics due to its high superficial tension, but also the tendency to oxidize when exposed to air. The problem has recently been solved by specialists by developing a process of dispersing the gally microscopic particles in a polymer matrix, similar to the ink. The dispersion was possible with the help of a special solvent.
Applications “electronic ink” photo livescience.com
“When the printed circuit is slightly heated, the solvent decomposes and creates a slightly acidic environment. It removes the oxide layer from the gallium particles, allowing them to melt and combine to form conductive paths.”say those from “LiveScience”. The ink resulting from this process of ingesting the gall with the solvent in the polymer matrix can be used to print elements of up to 50 micrometers, which is thinner than the human hair. Moreover, the ink has an incredible property: it can alternate between the hardness of the plastic and the flexibility of the rubber, as needed. The one that makes the difference between the two states, rigid or flexible, is the temperature.
This wonderful ink can become more than 1400 times more flexible when heated. Applications can be incredible. For example, the field of electronics with the variable rigidity that leads to the creation of flexible and rigid devices can occur at the same time, depending on needs. Imagine a laptop that can become flexible at a certain temperature to be easier to carry. At the moment, the research team has already built two functional devices based on this technology. These were used in the medical field. This is a flexible brain implant that remained rigid during surgery to be accurately introduced (as a memory card). Subsequently, the device was softened inside the brain to help reduce irritation and inflammation. This “electronic ink” can be used both in the field of serigraphy, immersion, but also used for 3D printers.
