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Biomimetic Liquid Metal-Elastomer Composited Foam with Adjustable Thermal Conductivity for Heat Control
Hongyao Tang1, Xiaozhou Lü1, Xiangyu Meng1
1School of Aerospace Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 25, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a biomimetic liquid metal-elastomer foam that adjusts thermal conductivity. This material offers tunable thermal management, switching between insulation and heat dissipation for electronic devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomimetics
- Thermal Engineering
Background:
- Traditional materials with fixed thermal conductivity struggle in dynamic thermal environments.
- Existing adjustable materials often lack softness or require harsh conditions for adjustment.
- Need for advanced materials for efficient thermal management in electronics and beyond.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel biomimetic foam with adjustable thermal conductivity.
- To mimic homeothermic animals' thermal regulation for material design.
- To create a versatile material for heat dissipation and thermal insulation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a biomimetic liquid metal-elastomer composited foam (B-LM-ECF).
- Tuning thermal conductivity by adjusting the volume proportion of liquid metal.
- Characterization of mechanical properties (Young's modulus, tensile rate) and thermal conductivity range.
Main Results:
- Achieved adjustable thermal conductivity from 0.11 to 8.4 W·m-1K-1 (adjustment factor η = 76).
- Demonstrated reversible switching between thermal insulation and heat dissipation.
- Material exhibits excellent mechanical properties: 45 KPa Young's modulus and 600% maximum fracture tensile rate.
Conclusions:
- The biomimetic liquid metal-elastomer composited foam offers tunable thermal conductivity for advanced thermal management.
- The material's flexibility and wide adjustment range make it suitable for diverse applications, including electronic device cooling.
- This work provides a promising solution for challenges in time-varying thermal environments.
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