Metal foam in car bumpers could act as a shock absorber in collisions, potentially saving lives and reducing damage in car accidents.
A University of Newcastle PhD student developed a super-light foam by infiltrating molten aluminium with expanded pearlite, a particle that is lighter than popcorn.
The resulting metal foam was so light it floated on water.
The low-cost material could provide an effective, reliable way to reduce the impact of collision.
Read more at University of Newcastle