The contribution of new super material consists of almost only air-and is still stable first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
A Kiel start-up has developed a so-called aeromaterial, which consists of 99.9 percent of air and is still stable. It could change entire branches of industry.
A material that mainly consists of air: that may initially sound like a bad joke. But that was exactly what has recently succeeded in a start-up from Kiel. Because the engineers of the Spinoffs Aero material from the Christian Albrechts-University in Kiel (CAU) developed A nano material that consists of over 99.9 percent of air.
This aeromaterial is so easy that a person would hardly feel it in his hand, according to Rainer Adelung, professor at the CAU. At the same time, the fabric is so functional that it can replace complete systems. This opens up the use in four important areas:
the actuator (i.e. fast movements), filtration (with self -cleaning filters), the optics (for energy -saving lighting) and when shielding sensitive electronics. The material can make a difference, especially for drones or mobile devices in which each gram counts.
Aeromaterial: a scaffolding that is just hollow
The basis of the material is tiny particles that look like small four-arm stars, more precisely tetrapodale zinc oxide structures (T-Zno). The researchers built a 3D framework from it and then soaked it with a mixture of water and graphs (a layer with only one atom) or with silicate, the base fabric for glass.
In the end, remove the zinc oxide chemically. What remains is hollow tubes with ultra -thin walls that form an open network that is almost completely made of air. Air and liquids can flow through freely.
The founders see the first major gap in the market in the actuator. This is the area in which electrical signals are converted in motion for robots. The graph in the scaffold is light, stable and leads particularly well.
When the researchers create electricity, it heats up within milliseconds. The air inside expands and creates a mechanical force. This can cut a system, switch on or move components in automated systems.
Material from air: small movement, large power
The special thing: the technology does not need an external compressor. The movement comes directly from the material, without hoses, valves or a complicated infrastructure. This makes the constructions compact and flexible, which is particularly advantageous for robotics applications.
Caprice Mohr, technical managing director of the start-up, says that this lowers the maintenance effort and is a much more sustainable alternative to the classic pneumatic systems.
And the material can do even more. In tests with industrial partners, for example, it proved itself as a loudspeaker membrane. The structure vibrates through electrical control, covers the entire audible frequency range and reacts at lightning speed and precisely.
It is also suitable as a self -cleaning filter. The dust that is deposited can simply be burned out. A prototype for self -cleaning filters has even successfully passed its test use on the plane.
Also interesting:
- Direct translations in WhatsApp: everything you need to know
- Electricity through steps: the future of sustainable energy?
- How do lithium-ion batteries actually work?
- Electric car: What happens when the battery is empty?
The contribution of new super material consists of almost only air-and is still stable first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a tech industry expert, I am highly intrigued and impressed by the development of a new super material that is predominantly composed of air yet remains stable. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including aerospace, construction, and automotive.
The lightweight nature of this material could significantly reduce the weight of vehicles and structures, leading to improved fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. Its stability despite being mostly air opens up possibilities for creating stronger and more durable products.
I believe that this new super material could pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in technology and engineering, and I am excited to see how it will be utilized in the near future. It is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of scientists and researchers in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in material science.
Credits