Scientists have developed novel rubber like material called ‘thubber’ which has high thermal conductivity and elasticity.
Thubber is an electrically insulating composite material that exhibits an unprecedented combination of metal-like thermal conductivity, elasticity similar to soft, biological tissue.
It consists of a soft elastomer with non-toxic, liquid metal micro droplets suspended within it.
This semi-liquid form allows the metal to deform with the surrounding rubber at room temperature.
When it is pre-stretched at room temperature, it stretches up to 6 times its initial length.
During this phase, liquid metal micro-droplets form into elongated pathways through which heat can easily travel through.
Alongside the material is electrically insulating.
In developing wearable computing and soft robotics, industries like athletic wear and sports medicine and in advanced manufacturing, energy, and transportation, thubber can be used.
