Yes, it is possible to create an object that exhibits such behavior, known as a "negative thermal expansion" material or "thermomorph." While most common materials expand when heated and contract when cooled, certain substances can exhibit the opposite behavior.
Negative thermal expansion materials are typically engineered at the molecular or atomic level to possess specific properties that lead to this counterintuitive behavior. The contraction upon heating and expansion upon cooling can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as changes in crystal structure, intermolecular forces, or the arrangement of atoms within the material.
One example of a material with negative thermal expansion properties is a class of materials called "dilatant compounds" or "auxetic materials." These materials possess a unique microstructure that causes them to expand in lateral dimensions when stretched and contract when compressed. This behavior can be utilized to create a material that contracts when exposed to heat and expands when cooled.
Another example is certain metal alloys, such as nickel-titanium shape memory alloys, which can exhibit a phenomenon called "thermal shape memory effect." These alloys undergo a reversible phase transition at a specific temperature, causing them to change shape. They can be engineered to have a transition temperature within the desired temperature range, allowing them to contract upon heating and expand when cooled.
While the concept of a material that contracts when exposed to heat and expands when cooled is possible, the practical implementation and availability of such materials may vary. These materials often have specific requirements and limitations, and their development and application are still areas of ongoing research and development.