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Rusting iron can be its own worst enemy

Researchers at Rice University found that iron itself plays a role in its own corrosion when exposed to supercritical CO2 and trace amounts of water. Thin layers of 2D materials like graphene can serve as a barrier to prevent corrosion.

SourceRice University·JournalMatter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2022

Pusan National University study “cracks” mystery of water-promoted fracture growth on glass

Researchers at Pusan National University discovered that tempered glass is more resistant to water-promoted fracture growth than annealed glass. The study found that water droplets penetrate microcracks in glass surfaces, dissolving silicon-oxygen bonds and degrading mechanical strength.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Ceramic Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Suiting up with Al-Mg-Si: New protective coating for steel to resist corrosion in ships and marine and coastal facilities and structures

Scientists have created a new protective coating using Al-Mg-Si alloy to resist corrosion in ships and marine facilities. The coating demonstrates improved corrosion resistance through a 'shielding effect', increasing the economic life of steel machinery.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Putting the fizz into salty water

A new study from the University of Bath is shedding light on the behavior of saline solutions under extreme conditions, a crucial step towards carbon storage in deep-sea aquifers. The research uses neutron diffraction to examine the interaction between salt ions and water molecules at high pressures and temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Anticorrosion coating sets new benchmark

Researchers created a sulfur-selenium alloy that outperforms traditional coatings in protecting steel from corrosion and oxidation. The material's self-healing properties allow it to recover from scratches and damage, making it suitable for infrastructure applications.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Scientists have learned how to weld a new kind of steel

Researchers from South Ural State University and China's Xi'an Jiaotong University have successfully welded A606 (Cor-Ten) steel, a promising material with high atmospheric corrosion resistance. The study optimized welding conditions to achieve high strength properties and necessary microstructure.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalThe International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology·DateOct 15, 2021

Surface chemistry reveals corrosive secrets

A new technique reveals the role of cations in surface chemistry, shedding light on environmental issues like rust and pollution. The study uses surface analysis to understand the initial stages of iron corrosion, which can help monitor carbon dioxide capture, water quality, and infrastructure management.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 13, 2021

Swing vote 'trumped' turnout in 2016 election

A Yale University study reveals that conversion among swing voters was the primary factor behind Donald Trump's electoral success in 2016. The researchers found that voters switching from Democrat to Republican more consistently explained the GOP's gains than did increases in voter turnout.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021

How rocks rusted on Earth and turned red

A Rutgers-led study has discovered the natural mineral hematite is responsible for the red color in New Jersey rocks and American Southwest formations. The research reveals that hematite concentrations track 14.5 million years of Late Triassic monsoonal rainfall, providing valuable insights into ancient climate change.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Solar hydrogen: let's consider the stability of photoelectrodes

Researchers have conducted the first operando stability study of high-purity BiVO4 photoanodes during photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Using in-situ plasma mass spectrometry, they determined a useful parameter called the stability number (S), which can be used to compare and assess the stability of photoelectrodes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 26, 2020

A better informed society can prevent lead poisoning disasters

Researchers suggest using scientific data and predictive frameworks to identify risks of lead release, improving testing strategies and anticipating problems. Citizen scientists can aid in data gathering with mobile test kits, while AI and machine learning help identify relationships between water conditions and lead levels.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2020

Current model for storing nuclear waste is incomplete

New research from Ohio State University reveals that high-level nuclear waste storage materials will degrade faster than expected due to their interaction. The study found severe localized corrosion of glass, ceramics, and stainless steel under certain conditions, posing significant challenges for the current storage model.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 27, 2020

Monitoring the corrosion of bioresorbable magnesium

Scientists at ETH Zurich have created a new family of bioresorbable magnesium alloys containing zinc and calcium, which can be resorbed by the human body. Analytical transmission electron microscopy revealed a previously unknown dealloying mechanism governing the dissolution of precipitates in the magnesium matrix.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 23, 2019

In-depth insights into glass corrosion

Scientists use confocal Raman spectroscopy to study silicate glass corrosion in real time, discovering that silica molecules form aggregates near the surface, forming an opal-like layer. This layer does not provide perfect protection against water, allowing the corrosion process to continue.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 28, 2019