14 DAY TRIAL // Scientists from Cambridge University have further developed metal structures in order to morph them from flat sheets into tubes and other shapes. The team of scientists claims that the new metal structures could form the basis for laptop or other electronic displays that could be folded and placed in pockets for example. The same material could also be used for re-usable packaging, roll-up keyboards or self-erecting temporary shelters.
The new metallic material is made up of copper alloys which can fold and roll-up without the need for moving parts such as hinges or locks. They practically "snap" from one shape to the other. Dr Keith Steffen, lead researcher from the Department Of Engineering At Cambridge University explains that the metallic material behaves just like those "flick" or "snap" bracelets which transform from straight strips into coils around the wrist.
Dr Steffen further explains: "Flexible electronics is a burgeoning area, people are looking into making very thin flexible displays that could be used for electronic newspapers, or other portable electronic media like a roll-up laptop or compact mobile phone." These kinds of displays will be quick and cheap to produce. In the case of temporary shelters, Dr Steffen declares that the materials offer structural integrity and they are highly transportable in emergency situations.
One of the implications for the adoption of this new technology could be the elimination of old fashion paper sheets, preventing people from cutting down trees.