15-2-2017:  Thubber, a new rubber material with high thermal conductivity.

Scientists have developed a novel rubber material with high thermal conductivity and elasticity. The material is an electrically insulating composite that exhibits an unprecedented combination of metal-like thermal conductivity, elasticity similar to soft, biological tissue, and can stretch over six times its initial length.

Applications could extend to industries like athletic wear and sports medicine — think of lighted clothing for runners and heated garments for injury therapy. Advanced manufacturing, energy, and transportation are other areas where stretchable electronic material could have an impact, researchers said.

The key ingredient in “Thubber” is a suspension of non-toxic, liquid metal micro-droplets. The liquid state allows the metal to deform with the surrounding rubber at room temperature. When the rubber is pre-stretched, the droplets form elongated pathways that are efficient for heat travel.