A malleable material can take different shapes without breaking or breaking.
Malleable is a term that comes from the Latin word malleus ( "hammer" ). It is an adjective that allows you to describe a material that can be given different shapes without breaking or breaking it .
Malleability, therefore, is a property of matter that can be shaped by deformation . In the case of metals, malleability is a property similar to ductility, although with specific differences.
Characteristics of malleable metals
The malleable metal can be beaten and rolled into thin sheets or plates . Ductile metal, on the other hand, allows threads to be obtained. It should be noted that both properties (malleability and ductility) are not usually found in the same material.
Malleable metals can generally be cut or bent when a certain amount of pressure is exerted . This makes them useful materials for welding, for example. Low susceptibility to corrosion and rust are other characteristics given by malleability.
Among the most common malleable materials is aluminum , since it allows us to obtain what is known as aluminum foil (used for food preservation) or to be used for the manufacture of tetra-brik containers.
A malleable person is one who usually changes their mind based on other people's opinions.
The permeability of people
In everyday language, malleability is linked to permeability (which can be easily crossed or penetrated). A malleable or permeable person, in this sense, is one who allows themselves to be influenced by the opinions of others or who is easy to persuade and convince : “Renata is malleable: let me talk to her and, in a few hours, we will have her on our side.” ” , “He is a very malleable man, who always adapts to his environment” .
A malleable person does not necessarily lack well-defined ideas and convictions , but in many cases they do not have enough strength to impose them on a group and prefer to give in to external pressures so as not to upset others.
A malleable material that hardens in a vacuum
It is interesting to note that scientists from the Tecnalia Research & Innovation Applied Research Center have developed an intelligent material called Varstiff, which can easily change shape, thanks to its malleability. But the detail that makes it revolutionary is that when a vacuum is applied it hardens to the point of presenting a rigidity such as that of plastic . As if this were not enough, when the void is removed, the Varstiff returns to its original state.
Among the first uses that researchers found for this innovative material was the immobilization of certain parts of the body (such as the back, thorax or neck) for accident victims at the scene: given its malleability, this material It can be easily adapted to the different shapes and postures of a person, and its use in emergencies would reduce the risk of damage during patient handling.
More Varstiff applications
Orthopedics is another field in which Varstiff will be beneficial, replacing the elastic bands with Velcro closures and the inflatable pads used until now, since the force they exert on the skin makes them less comfortable and they lack the ideal rigidity for the problems they treat.
In the case of the automotive industry, this material could be used to create seats that adapt to each person's body, providing more comfort and improving posture. Likewise, energy absorption systems and flexible dividers for the trunks could be developed in the doors.
Varstiff's applications are limited only by your imagination; In addition to health and comfort, its creators have evaluated alternatives related to outdoor leisure (flexible tables and chairs) and high-risk sports or public and private security (uniform accessories that provide greater security to their users. and that they are easily transportable).