New technology may shine in the area of flexible displays

Scientists at the Universities of Sussex and Swansea have found a way to use electric fields to transform liquid metal into two-dimensional shapes such as letters and hearts. The researchers say the latest work is expected to be useful in smart electronic devices, soft robots and flexible displays.

The electric fields used to change the shape of the liquid metal are created by a computer, which means that the position and shape of the liquid metal can be programmed to be controlled. According to the team, the latest findings show that liquid metal is "a promising new material" that can be programmed to undergo a variety of transformations, opening up new possibilities for soft robots and morphing displays.

"Liquid metals have great potential for deformability," said Siriram Sybrian of the University of Sussex. Their unique properties include voltage controlled surface tension, high electrical conductivity, and liquid-solid phase transitions at room temperature."

Although the research is still in its infancy, it shows potential for applications in computer graphics processing, smart electronic devices, soft robotics and flexible displays, said Tokuda Tokata of the University of Sussex, one of the researchers.

However, they stressed that while the invention was reminiscent of the robot T-1000 from the sci-fi film Terminator 2 -- an intelligent robot made of liquid metal that can move between liquid and solid solids -- three-dimensional shapes from liquid metal were still a long way off. More immediate applications include reprogrammable circuit boards and conductive inks.

"As for the future, our vision and that of many other researchers is to digitally alter the physical properties, appearance and function of devices that are far more intelligent and flexible than current displays or robots," Sybrian said.