Metal rubber is a broad, informal name for several conductive plastic polymers with metal ions produced by NanoSonic Inc. in cooperation with Virginia Tech. This self-assembling nanocomposite is flexible and durable to high and low pressures, temperatures, tensions, and most chemical reactions, and retains all of its physical and chemical properties upon being returned to a ground state. NanoSonic’s Metal rubber™ is an electrically conductive and flexible elastomer. It can be mechanically strained to greater than 1000% of its original dimensions while remaining electrically conductive. As Metal rubber can carry data and electrical power and is environmentally rugged, it can be used as a flexible and stretchable electrical conductor in the aerospace/defense, electronics, and bioengineering markets.[1]
Metal rubber needs to contain around 1% metal ions to maintain its conductive properties, allowing the material to retain an elastic quality as well as keeping the heavy metal component low. Metal rubber has a strain of 300% although the sheet itself can be mechanically strained to greater than 1000% of its original dimensions. The elastic modulus is 0.01 GPa and the service resistivity per square sheet is .1–100 ohms. The maximum service temperature is 170 degrees Celsius (338 degrees Fahrenheit), while the minimum service temperature is –60 degrees Celsius (–76 degrees Fahrenheit). It carries an electrical charge that can be used to transport power and data. It is typical of an elastomer to be an insulator but Metal rubber is highly conductive like metals.[1]
Metal rubber is made through a modified molecular-level self-assembly production process using precursors which NanoSonic produces in-house. Materials are manufactured in a variety of sizes and geometries. The possible uses of such a product include body armor, durable electronic sensors, various aerospace-building materials, and alternate commercial building materials. Several industries have unique needs that are met by Metal rubber's characteristics.[2]
1. Aerospace/Defense
2. Electronics
3. Bioengineering Markets
NanoSonic currently offers a variety of products that incorporates Metal rubber's unique properties.[3][4]
1. Metal rubber Cables
2. Metal rubber Shielding
3. Metal rubber Sensors
