The new material set to improve road safety

Wednesday, 13 September 2017

Engineers from the University of Newcastle have developed a new material which has the potential to change the future of road safety.

Metallic foam under the microscope
Metallic foam under the microscope

The 'metallic foam' is made from standard aluminium alloys and a by-product of volcanic eruptions, the result of which is a lightweight, strong and cost effective material which effectively absorbs energy and acts as a cushion under impact.

Associate Professor Thomas Fiedler and a team from UON's Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment hope that, with further development, the metallic foam will be implemented in road safety barriers, reducing risk and ultimately fatalities.


Study Engineering


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