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