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KAIST unveils stretchable stealth material poised to revolutionize wearables and defense systems
Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a groundbreaking liquid metal composite ink that could redefine the future of wearable electronics and stealth technology. The innovation enables the creation of flexible, stretchable devices capable of manipulating electromagnetic waves, offering potential uses across defense, robotics, and consumer industries.
A self-assembling metamaterial breakthrough
The newly engineered composite ink can stretch up to twelve times its original length without losing electrical conductivity. During the drying process, it forms a self-assembled metallic network, creating a metamaterial capable of absorbing and controlling electromagnetic waves. Unlike rigid metals that crack under strain, this substance maintains the softness and flexibility of rubber while retaining the efficiency of a conductor.
The manufacturing process is remarkably simple. The material can be printed with conventional tools or brushed onto a surface without the need for heat treatments or laser processing. Once dry, it resists corrosion even after extended exposure to air, exhibiting long-term durability rarely seen in similar technologies.
Applications from robotics to stealth
To demonstrate its utility, the research team produced the world’s first stretchable metamaterial absorber that changes its absorption spectrum when stretched. This adaptation allows the structure to interfere with different frequency bands by altering its physical form, potentially enabling stealth functions that adjust in real time to evade radar detection.
“This innovation allows advanced electromagnetic functionality to be achieved through simple printing methods, without the need for complex manufacturing equipment,” explained Professor Kim Hyoung-soo, who co-led the project. The potential applications span robotic skin, body-adhering wearables, and next-generation radar evasion systems.
Scientific recognition and global relevance
The findings were featured as the cover article in the October 2025 issue of Small, an international scientific journal published by Wiley. The study underscores growing global interest in metamaterial absorbers, valued for their versatility in electromagnetic shielding, communications, and advanced sensing systems.
By merging flexibility with high-performance electromagnetic control, this development marks a significant step toward soft, adaptive technologies that could transform both civilian and defense sectors.
