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Physicists from IKBFU create metallic alloy for magnetic refrigerator

Researchers at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University have developed a new metallic alloy that can be used in magnetic refrigeration technology, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants like freon. The manganese-arsenic alloy shows promising results for solid-state cooling at room temperature.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJul 25, 2019

Coining less expensive currency: bringing down the cost of making nickels

Researchers at NIST have developed a new material for making nickels that is 40% less expensive to produce, reducing the cost of materials from seven cents to five cents per coin. The new design uses an integrated computational materials engineering framework and advanced alloys to achieve this cost reduction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIntegrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation·DateJun 21, 2018

Modified, 3-D printable alloy shows promise for flexible electronics, soft robots

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a 3D printable alloy that enables the rapid manufacture of flexible computer screens, bendable displays, and soft robots. The new alloy, created by adding nickel nanoparticles to galinstan, can be layered into tall structures with good conductivity and self-healing properties.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMar 5, 2018

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Dec. 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a precision de-icing technology that uses high-resolution modeling to identify areas most vulnerable to drivers during hazardous weather conditions. The team also discovered a function of certain microbes that produces a new derivative of vitamin B12, which could enhance the e...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 4, 2017

Cool your airfoils

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing advanced strategies to reduce the adverse effects of extremely high-temperatures on gas turbines. They are exploring applications for an anti-oxidation coating that can help cool airfoils and other hot-section components, enabling higher temperature operation for better efficie...

The secret to improving liquid crystal's mechanical performance

Researchers found that adding nanoparticles to liquid crystals improves their mechanical performance by increasing their lubricating properties. The study used a formula to approximate mobility of dislocations and performed numerical simulations to understand how Cottrell clouds erode when dislocations move at high speed.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 11, 2017

Segregation-induced ordered superstructures at general grain boundaries in a Ni-Bi alloy

At randomly selected high-angle general grain boundaries in a nickel-bismuth polycrystalline alloy, researchers found that interfacial reconstruction can form ordered superstructures. These segregation-induced superstructures enrich theories and fundamental understandings of grain boundary segregation and liquid metal embrittlement.

Solidifying advanced alloy design

Researchers developed a framework for designing tailored microstructure patterns in materials using a combination of theory and experiment. They successfully simulated the solidification process of an aluminum-silver-copper alloy, comparing their results with experimental photographs.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalActa Materialia·DateAug 22, 2017

'Magic' alloy could spur next generation of solar cells

Researchers at University of Michigan develop cost-effective material to capture near-infrared light in solar cells, making concentrator photovoltaics more efficient and practical for large-scale electricity generation. The new alloy is significantly less expensive than previous formulations and enables easier manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 15, 2017