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New research shows why metal alloys degrade

Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered that metal alloys can degrade due to diffusion, a process where atoms hop through the material, changing its structure. This finding has significant implications for the development of longer-lasting alloys, particularly in electronic materials like solder.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 24, 2008

New insight on superconductors

A team of researchers from UC Davis and Los Alamos National Laboratory have found a simple way to calculate the temperature at which the Kondo liquid emerges in heavy-electron materials, leading to new understanding of superconductivity. The discovery may help researchers find organizing principles of heavy-electron superconductivity.

Rough times: NIST's new approach to surface profiling

Researchers at NIST have developed a novel technique for measuring surface roughness, which could lead to more accurate models of deformation and lower tooling costs. The new method uses data from a scanning laser confocal microscope and challenges the traditional linear relationship between surface roughness and material deformation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMaterials Science and Technology·DateJan 9, 2008

Metal foam has a good memory

Researchers have developed a new class of magnetic shape-memory foams with improved strain capabilities. The porous alloy's structure amplifies the shape-change effect, making it suitable for tiny motion control devices or biomedical pumps without moving parts.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 20, 2007

Tougher Than Silicon

Researchers have created an alloy that can handle high-power and high-frequency microelectronic devices better than pure silicon-carbide. The alloy conducts twice as much current, making it a promising material for next-generation electronics.

For First Time In 40 Years National Jewish Researchers Report Chronic Beryllium Disease Caused By Extremely Low Levels Of Exposure

Researchers at National Jewish Health found cases of chronic beryllium disease in two people exposed to 2 percent beryllium copper alloy, a product used in toasters, bicycles, and electronics. Chronic beryllium disease is caused by inhaling beryllium dust into the lungs, leading to lung scarring and oxygen transfer issues.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateApr 19, 1999

Metal Injection For Healthier Car Components

The new technology allows manufacturers to produce complex shapes out of high-strength and high-performance metals and alloys. Metal injection moulded parts are finding use in various industries, including office equipment, industrial machines, medical appliances, and household goods.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateApr 1, 1999

Diamond Find: Carbon, Plus Germanium, Helps Silicon 'Shine,' UD Researchers Say

University of Delaware researchers have developed a silicon-based device that can convert some light into electricity using a germanium-carbon alloy. The device, which was tested with laser light, showed a conversion rate of 1.4 percent and demonstrated efficient rectification numbers. This breakthrough has the potential to bridge the ...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateAug 22, 1997