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Millisecond electric pulse makes titanium stronger and tougher

Researchers from Kumamoto University and partners discovered a method to enhance titanium alloys using high-density pulsed electric current, achieving improved strength and toughness. The technique harnesses an electron wind force to reorganize the internal crystal structure, producing nanoscale martensitic phases that disperse stress ...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

A new Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China study unveils strategy for improving mechanical properties of aluminum composites

A new study from China reveals a novel strategy for enhancing the strength-ductility synergy of particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites. The approach involves regulating the heterostructure of the matrix grain and particle distribution to achieve a balance between strength and ductility.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalTransactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

New transactions of nonferrous metals society of china study uncovers low-temperature deformation mechanism of pure titanium

Researchers investigate grain size and temperature effects on Ti deformation at extremely low temperatures, finding that cryogenic temperatures trigger deformation twinning, boosting strength and ductility. The study proposes a modified Hall-Petch relationship to explain strengthening mechanisms at cryogenic temperatures.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalTransactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Researchers develop a unique quantum mechanical approach to determining metal ductility

Researchers developed a unique approach to predict metal ductility using quantum mechanics, filling the need for an inexpensive and efficient method. The new approach was tested on refractory multi-principal-element alloys and showed robust results, confirming its effectiveness in distinguishing between ductile and brittle materials.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalActa Materialia·DateAug 14, 2023

New research explores durability of 2D hybrid materials

Researchers investigated the fatigue behavior of 2D hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), discovering they can survive over one billion cycles, outperforming most polymers under similar loading conditions. The study provides insights into designing and engineering these materials for long-term mechanical durability.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 25, 2023

What if ceramics were ductile?

Researchers have discovered a way to create ductile ceramics that can exhibit ultimate strength of up to 11 GPa, potentially leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced material usage. However, further studies are needed to scale up the process and apply it to larger materials.

SourceTampere University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 27, 2022

How Imperfections can actually improve alloys

Using transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) and twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP), researchers design metastable alloys that can overcome the strength-ductility trade-off. The resulting materials are self-strengthening, making them suitable for applications such as earthquake construction, naval ships, and aerospace.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 26, 2022

UMass Amherst and Georgia Tech researchers 3D print first high-performance nanostructured alloy that’s both ultrastrong and ductile

Researchers created a dual-phase, nanostructured high-entropy alloy with unprecedented strength and ductility through 3D printing. The alloy's unique microstructure enables cooperative deformation of two phases, resulting in ultrahigh strength and enhanced ductility.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Story tips: Predicting water quality, stronger & ‘stretchier’ alloys, RAPID reinforcement and mountainous water towers

Researchers create a multiscale model to track water quality indicators like nitrogen and mercury levels, incorporating biogeochemical reactions in microbially-active zones. They also develop 'stretchier' alloys by adding nano structures, which enhance strength and ductility, making them suitable for various applications. Additionally,...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Nanotwinned titanium forges path to sustainable manufacturing

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new path forward for processing titanium. Cryo-forging at ultra-low temperatures produces extra-strong nanotwinned titanium with improved strength and ductility. The material maintains its structure and properties at extreme temperatures, demonstrating its versatility.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Predicting the properties of a new class of glasses

Researchers at Penn State used modeling methods to predict properties of ZIF glasses, combining transparency and metallic glass nonbrittle quality, with potential applications in gas storage and energy, promising breakthroughs in transparent and bendable glass

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateDec 20, 2018

Researchers present new strategy for extending ductility in a single-phase alloy

Researchers present a new strategy to exploit dynamically reinforced multilevel heterogeneous grain structures for high-strength and large-ductility materials. This approach achieves a strength-ductility combination in a single-phase, simple-structured alloy that would normally require complex heterogeneities.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2018

Researchers find way to make metals stronger without sacrificing ductility

Researchers at North Carolina State University and Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a technique to make titanium stronger while maintaining its ductility. The new material combines ultrafine-grained strength with coarse-grain ductility, enabling the creation of strong yet flexible materials for vehicle manufacturing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

Nano-mechanical study offers new assessment of silicon for next-gen batteries

Researchers have reported surprisingly high damage tolerance in electrochemically-lithiated silicon materials, suggesting all-silicon anodes may be commercially viable. The study found that above a certain concentration of lithium, the material becomes more tolerant to damage, making it possible to design durable silicon-based batteries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2015

Seeing tiny twins

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of nanomaterials, revealing that tiny tungsten crystals can exhibit deformation twinning, which affects their strength and function. This phenomenon has significant implications for the development of nanostructured metals and alloys.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 9, 2015

A new twist makes for better steel, researchers find

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a method to fortify steel by twisting it, allowing for improved strength while maintaining ductility. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new steel alloys for high-strength applications such as axles on high-speed trains.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2014