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Toward high electro-optic performance in III-V semiconductors

New research at UC Santa Barbara illuminates a path to superior electro-optic performance in AlScN alloys by adjusting atomic structure and composition. The study found that precisely oriented layer structures and strain tuning can yield significant enhancements in electro-optic properties, potentially surpassing those of lithium niobate.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 25, 2025

The biomechanics of the rose prickle

The rose prickle's curved tapering shape and microstructural density enable supreme damage resistance capabilities. Researchers propose that these features could be used to develop ultra-small anchoring tools for diverse applications.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 10, 2024

Innovating in the corners where atoms meet

Fadi Abdeljawad's team finds that triple junctions, where three nanocrystals meet, are key to maintaining stability and strength of materials. This discovery could lead to designing better nanocrystalline alloys for aerospace and energy industries.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2024

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong reshape the understanding of grain boundaries

Grain boundaries, common defects in polycrystalline materials, can migrate unidirectionally without a net driving force, exhibiting directionality. This phenomenon, similar to the unidirectional rotation of a Brownian ratchet, challenges traditional views on grain boundary mobility.

How can micro/nanorobots overcome the design and manufacturing bottleneck and drive future technological advancements?

Researchers have identified coupling design methods, composite manufacturing techniques, and future prospects for micro/nanorobots. The review explores three core functions: mobility, controllability, and load capacity, offering insights into designing high-performance MNRs.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateSep 23, 2024

3D laser printing with bioinks from microalgae

A research team at Heidelberg University has successfully developed a new generation of biocompatible materials for additive manufacturing using microalgae. The materials were extracted from the raw materials of diatom and green alga species and proved to be suitable as inks for high-resolution 3D laser printing.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 9, 2024

Balancing the seesaw: Simultaneously enhancing strength and elongation in metallic materials

A team of researchers from POSTECH has introduced a novel approach to balance strength and elongation in metallic materials. By using periodic spinodal decomposition, they created an alloy that boasts both high strength and high elongation, achieving a yield strength of 1.1 GPa with nearly the same elongation as before.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2024

Micromachines steered by microorganisms

Researchers created microscopic vehicles propelled by swimming green algae, which can be maneuvered by the algae. The team developed two types of vehicles: the rotator and the scooter, with the latter displaying erratic rolling motions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2024

Combining simulations and experiments to get the best out of Fe3Al

A team from Osaka University used electron microscopy and computer simulations to study the kinetics of microstructure formation in Fe3Al, leading to a deeper understanding of its superelastic properties. The findings could provide insights for heat treatments and applications in construction and healthcare industries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalActa Materialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2024

In-situ alloying of NiTiNb shape memory alloys by additive manufacturing

Scientists at Shandong University have created a novel approach to fabricate high-performance NiTiNb shape memory alloys using laser powder bed fusion. The in-situ alloying process yields good mechanical and functional properties, surpassing conventional casting methods. By integrating material synthesis and structure forming, research...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 16, 2024

Do some mysterious bones belong to gigantic ichthyosaurs?

Fossilized bone fragments from Western and Central Europe have been identified as belonging to gigantic ichthyosaurs due to their unique microstructure. The discovery sheds new light on an ongoing debate among paleontologists, suggesting that these massive sea creatures could have reached lengths similar to the modern blue whale.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2024

Ice-ray patterns: A rediscovery of past design for the future

A study discovers that traditional Chinese ice-ray lattice designs can provide unique stiffness and strength under asymmetric loads, offering an alternative to conventional gridshells. The research also explores the potential of integrating complex geometry into facade design and micro-scale material design.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers of Architectural Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2024

A novel method for easy and quick fabrication of biomimetic robots with life-like movement

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed an ultraviolet laser-processing technique for fabricating complex microstructures, enabling the creation of biohybrid actuators capable of complex, flexible movements. The method involves forming curved microgrooves on a substrate and aligning muscle cells in an anisotropic manne...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalBiofabrication·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Understanding the dynamic behavior of rubber materials

A team of researchers has developed a novel experimental system to simultaneously measure the mechanical properties and internal structure of rubber-like materials. The study found that strain within these materials is non-uniform, depending on the shape and size of composite particles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Strength is in this glass's DNA

Researchers fabricate a pure form of glass and coat specialized pieces of DNA with it to create a material stronger than steel but incredibly lightweight. This novel technology has inspired innovative applications in drug delivery, electronics, and more.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

New study finds ways to suppress lithium plating in automotive batteries for faster charging electric vehicles

A new study led by Dr. Xuekun Lu has found a way to prevent lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries, which could lead to faster charging times and improve the battery's energy density. The research also reveals that refining the microstructure of the graphite electrode can minimize the risk of lithium plating.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2023

Ultrafast lasers for materials processing

A new type of ultrafast laser technology is being developed to create high-precision microstructures, such as those needed for smartphone displays. The project aims to make the technology cheaper and more efficient, with potential applications in glass processing, polymer ablating, and future laser surgery.

Stick-to-itiveness: Pitt engineers show self-organization of sticky micron-to-mesoscale 3D structures in confined fluids

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that uses fluid mechanics and chemo-mechanical processes to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures. The system utilizes sticky bonds to drive self-organization, allowing for the construction of complex devices with minimal external intervention.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023

Spectroscopic micro-ellipsometer unveils atomic-level thickness measurements of 2D materials: Hebrew University secures patented technology for revolutionary innovation

Researchers from Hebrew University developed a microscope-integrated ellipsometer that enables fast and precise measurements of thin-film thicknesses in small areas. The Spectroscopic Micro-Ellipsometer successfully maps the thicknesses of diverse 2D material flakes, determining their number of atomic layers.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Optimizing the properties and microstructure of bulk superconductors

Japanese researchers develop improved ternary superconductor bulks from liquid sources, demonstrating enhanced performance and microstructural analysis shows significant reductions in secondary phase particle size. The findings have huge potential for applications in magnetic levitation, electric motors, and energy systems.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

From functional to intelligent: laser powder bed fusion additive manufactured NiTi shape memory alloys

Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology have developed a systematic review of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)-fabricated NiTi alloys. The study highlights the effect of process parameters on printability, mechanical properties, and functional behaviors of NiTi shape memory alloys. These findings provide evidence for...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 5, 2023

Now you can be comfortable in your e-skin

Osaka University researchers develop a cellulose-based material, called nanopaper e-skin, that makes effective contact with the skin while maintaining breathability and comfort. The substrate can withstand deformation, sterilization, and environmental sustainability, making it a promising candidate for electrophysiological monitoring.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023

Numerical simulation of materials-oriented ultra-precision diamond cutting: Review and outlook

Researchers review numerical simulations for ultra-precision diamond cutting, exploring properties and microstructures of workpiece materials and their impact on the cutting process. The study provides guidelines for numerical simulations to predict machining responses for various materials.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 17, 2023

Eggshells of large, flightless birds evolved along different tracks

A new study analyzes the microstructure of eggshells from living and extinct flightless birds, shedding light on their evolutionary history. The research finds that wedge-like microstructures in rhea eggs evolved from ancient ancestors, while prism-like structures in ostrich and tinamous eggs likely developed independently.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateJan 31, 2023