Depending on the field’s orientation, the nickel microhairs can tilt to form a path through which fluid can flow. MIT claims the material can even direct water upward, against gravity.
The researchers fabricated an array of the microhairs, which are approximately 70 microns high and 25 microns wide, onto an elastic, transparent layer of silicone.
In experiments, the magnetically activated material directed the flow of fluid and light.
The researchers said the work could lead to waterproofing and anti-glare applications in buildings and vehicles. In the near term, the material could also be embedded in lab-on-a-chip devices to magnetically direct the flow of cells and other biological material through a diagnostic chip’s microchannels.
Comment: Engineers must adapt to AI or fall behind
A fascinating piece and nice to see a broad discussion beyond GenAI and the hype bandwagon. AI (all flavours) like many things invented or used by...