Smart Metal

Intelligent metal that can change from brittle to malleable

German and Chinese researchers have come up with a metal that changes from brittle to malleable using electric signals. Precious metals such as gold and silver have been used and the goal is to get to a state where the metal heals itself when cracks start appearing, for example. Work towards intelligent materials of this kind continues and one day perhaps we may not worry too much about damaging our alloy wheels if we clipped a kerb, in the knowledge that in a few hours they may just heal themselves.