Forseeing failure
A new theory predicts metal failure limits and onset point of cracking based on initial cyclic stress. Researchers developed a method to analyze slip bands and material properties to provide quantitative insights.
Materials
Articles tagged with Materials
New quantum phase discovered for developing hybrid materials
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a unique phase transition in crystals that combines crystalline and amorphous characteristics. This finding has significant implications for developing hybrid materials with improved properties for use in extreme environments, such as outer space.
Artificial intelligence deciphers detector "clouds" to accelerate materials research
Researchers used AI to automate the process of analyzing X-ray snapshots of materials, accelerating the technique by ten times on its own and 100 times with improved hardware. The new method can extract information from a range of previously inaccessible materials, including high-temperature superconductors and quantum spin liquids.
Physicists shed new light on unanswered questions about glass-liquid transition
Researchers discovered that glass can undergo a rapid formation of localized liquid regions with higher mobility, leading to a mixed state where parts are liquid and others are glassy. This finding adds new pieces to the description of the complex glass-liquid transition process.
A cooler approach to making new materials that can stand the heat
Lehigh University researchers have developed a new fabrication method for high-entropy alloys that can operate in extreme temperatures. The process uses lower temperatures and a different reaction route to achieve a more homogenous microstructure, potentially leading to the development of more efficient materials for aerospace and indu...
Self-folding origami honeycombs pave the way to sustainable protective packaging
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology created a novel method to produce self-folding origami honeycomb structures using paper sheets, which can provide excellent protection against shocks and compression. The developed technique has potential applications in packaging, agriculture, and other fields.
Electron liquids on the cutting edge
Researchers have controlled a one-dimensional electron fluid to an unprecedented degree, discovering new properties of Tomonaga-Luttinger liquids in two-dimensional materials. The team's findings could pave the way for more robust quantum computers with enhanced fault-tolerance.
New era of two-dimensional ferroelectrics
Researchers review emerging field of 2D ferroelectric materials with layered van-der-Waals crystal structures, offering new properties and functionalities not found in conventional materials. These materials show easily stackable nature, making them attractive as building blocks for post-Moore's law electronics.
The next wonder semiconductor
Cubic boron arsenide's high thermal conductivity and surprising long-lasting 'hot' electrons make it a promising material for photovoltaic and light detection applications. Researchers visualize the charge movement in single crystals using scanning ultrafast electron microscopy, revealing new transport properties.
Intermetallic palladium-zinc alloy: a corrosion-resistant, highly active, low-cost electrocatalyst!
Researchers have developed an intermetallic palladium-zinc alloy with high corrosion resistance and improved catalytic activity. The alloy's unique structure creates a protective skeletal shell around the zinc atoms, preventing leaching and increasing its durability as an electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation reactions.
Polyester chemistry highlights possible role of microdroplets in the origin of life
A new international collaboration has explored the suitable conditions for polyester microdroplet synthesis and assembly, revealing that they can form in much wider conditions than previously understood. The research suggests that polyester microdroplets could have played a role in chemical evolution on early Earth.
Physicists probe 'astonishing' morphing properties of honeycomb-like material
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a novel phenomenon in a type of quantum material that can change its electrical properties under specific conditions. The material, known as Mn3Si2Te6, exhibits colossal magnetoresistance when exposed to certain magnetic fields, allowing it to behave like a metal wire.
A catalyst alloying platinum with a rare earth element could slash fuel cell costs
A new method for combining platinum with the rare earth element lanthanum as an alloy has been devised to improve the performance and reduce the cost of fuel cells. The development is expected to make it easier to decarbonize heavy transport vehicles that are less amenable to battery power.
Heat-proof chaotic carbides could revolutionize aerospace technology
Scientists at Duke University have engineered materials capable of producing tunable plasmonic properties while withstand extremely high temperatures. The new high-entropy carbides can achieve improved communications and thermal regulation in aerospace technologies, including satellites and hypersonic aircraft.
High-quality growth
Assistant Professor SUZUKI Hiroo and colleagues have developed a method to grow highly crystalline TMDCs, such as MoS2 and WS2, using chemical vapor deposition in a stacked substrate configuration. The technique produces samples with large domains and optimal photoluminescence characteristics.
Engineers develop a new kind of shape-memory material
A new category of shape-memory materials made of ceramic, rather than metal, has been discovered by MIT researchers. The ceramic material can actuate without accumulating damage and withstand much higher temperatures than existing metals, making it suitable for applications such as actuators in jet engines.
Some everyday materials have memories, and now they can be erased
Researchers at Penn State developed a method to erase memories in disordered solids, allowing for new opportunities in diagnostics and programming of materials. The study provides insight into how memories form in these materials and demonstrates a way to 'read' and erase them.
80% yield! Success in synthesizing biodegradable plastic materials using sunlight and CO2!
Researchers successfully synthesized 3-hydroxybutyrate from acetone and CO2 using sunlight, mimicking natural photosynthesis. The 80% conversion yield tackles the plastic waste crisis while moving toward carbon neutrality.
Hackmanite changes color also upon exposure to nuclear radiation – memory trace from radiation enables new applications
Researchers at the University of Turku discovered that hackmanite changes color when exposed to nuclear radiation, retaining a memory trace that allows it to be reused. This unique property enables the development of reusable radiochromic films for measuring radiation doses and mapping dose distribution.
New technique allows researchers to scrape beyond the surface of nanomaterials
Scientists at Drexel University have created a new secondary-ion mass spectrometry technique to study the atomic layers of MXenes and MAX phases. The technique allows for deeper understanding of the materials' structure and composition, leading to breakthroughs in their properties and potential applications.
Researchers uncover how to 3D-print one of the strongest stainless steels
A team of researchers from NIST, UW-Madison, and Argonne National Laboratory identified key compositions that enable consistent 3D-printing of 17-4 PH stainless steel with favorable properties. The new findings could help producers cut costs and increase manufacturing flexibility.
New software platform advances understanding of the surface finish of manufactured components
Scientists developed a software platform to analyze surfaces, creating digital twins that predict material properties like adhesion and durability. The contact.engineering platform standardizes procedure and facilitates open science, allowing users to share measurements and collaborate.
Research improves upon conventional LED displays
Researchers have developed a new display technology using quantum dots that can increase the efficiency and lifespan of LED displays. The new technology uses a single layer of quantum dots as the emissive layer, which can reduce voltage loss and improve light extraction efficiency.
Major leap for stable high-efficiency perovskite solar cells
Scientists at Linköping University have made a breakthrough in developing stable high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. They created an ion-modulated radical doping method for Spiro-OMeTAD, which eliminates the trade-off between efficiency and stability.
Fixing a hidden flaw could unlock better batteries for electric vehicles
Researchers discovered that irregularities between grains in the battery's electrolyte can accelerate failure by moving ions at varying speeds. Adjusting material processing techniques may help solve reliability problems with solid-state batteries.
Tiny crystal vases
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba developed a method to produce uniform, hollow vessel-shaped crystals through spontaneous crystal growth. The crystals have hexagonal symmetry and can be used as tiny containers for nanotechnology experiments.
Lessons from natural photosynthesis: conversion of CO2 to raw materials for plastic!
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully created fumarate using artificial photosynthesis, a process that mimics natural photosynthesis. This fumarate can be used to produce biodegradable plastic, storing carbon in a compact and durable form.
Plasma-produced gas helps protect plants against pathogens, researchers find
The study discovered that exposure to dinitrogen pentoxide gas can activate plant immunity and control plant diseases, depending on the type of pathogen. This novel approach utilizes reactive nitrogen species generated from plasma technology, which may contribute to the development of a sustainable agricultural system.
Split water with practical application for better renewable energy solution
A research team from Xi'an Jiaotong University developed BiVO4 as an efficient and stable photocatalyst for water splitting applications. The team achieved excellent results using BiVO4 crystals as a photocatalyst, showing the close relationship between surface properties and photocatalytic activity.
Researchers fabricate cobalt copper catalysts for methane on metal-organic framework Contributes to goal of methane production from carbon dioxide emissions
A Soochow University team has developed cobalt copper alloy catalysts that deliver outstanding methane activity and selectivity in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction. By modulating the cobalt doping concentration, they achieved a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 60% to methane at high operating current densities.
Towards higher nanopatterning resolution with molecules that fill nanogaps better
A research group from Tokyo University of Science has discovered molecular features that govern the filling process at nanoscales, enabling finer resolutions in ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography. The findings provide valuable insights for guiding the selection and design of optimized resists for sub-10 nm resolution.
Novel design for dual-atom catalyst could reduce the environmental impact of ammonia production
Researchers have developed a novel dual-atom catalyst design that can reduce the environmental impact of ammonia production. The new design uses a hybrid of iron and molybdenum to activate dinitrogen, resulting in a more efficient and eco-friendly method for ammonia synthesis.
Suitable computational conditions of Adiabatic State Preparation discovered for quantum chemical calculations on a quantum computer
A research group from Osaka Metropolitan University investigates Adiabatic State Preparation (ASP) for efficient electron correlation effects in molecules. They find four key points relevant to ASP's computational conditions, making the method more practical.
ORNL welcomes sixth cohort of Innovation Crossroads clean energy entrepreneurs
The US Department of Energy has selected six new science and technology innovators to advance game-changing clean energy technologies through the Innovation Crossroads program. The startups will receive support from world-class experts and unique capabilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
New aerogel maintains functionality, superelasticity at extreme temperatures
Researchers from Sichuan University developed a new polymer aerogel with superelasticity that functions in a temperature range of -196-500°C, maintaining multifunctional protective performance. The scalable method uses bidirectionally oriented carbon/carbon aerogel composite multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
Highly transparent solar cell with 2D atomic sheet successfully fabricated
Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully fabricated highly transparent solar cells using a 2D atomic sheet. The solar cells achieved an average transparency of 79%, making them suitable for placement in various locations, including windows and human skin.
Thin mica shows semiconducting behavior, say scientists in new study
Researchers observe a significant increase in electrical conductivity when mica is thinned down to few molecular layers, exhibiting semiconductor-like behavior. The findings suggest that thin mica flakes have the potential to be used in two-dimensional electronic devices with exceptional stability and durability.
Elucidating the law of vortex diffusion in quantum turbulence
Researchers investigated quantum fluid dynamics at extremely low temperatures, revealing vortices undergo 'superdiffusion' before transitioning to normal diffusion. The study's findings provide a new way to understand complex quantum turbulence and its underlying laws.
Review article on metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets assembled on the surface of water
Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheet research has made significant advances in gas recovery and sensing materials. Professor Makiura's review article summarizes the development of MOF nanosheets on water surfaces, showcasing their potential for separation membranes and sensor miniaturization.
Tiny lab on a chip
Researchers at Osaka University have created a microfluidic system that can detect minute changes in the concentration of trace amounts of ethanol, glucose, or minerals in water using terahertz radiation. The device achieved sensitivity levels an order of magnitude better than existing microfluidic chips.
Flexing the power of a conductive polymer
Researchers at UCSB develop soft, semiconducting carbon-based polymer for reconfigurable logic circuits. The conjugated polyelectrolyte enables flexible and power-efficient electronics, promising a new era in computing systems.
Boron nitride nanotube fibers get real
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created the first heat-tolerant, stable fibers from boron nitride nanotubes using a wet-spinning process. The fibers assemble themselves into liquid crystals, making them easier to process and suitable for large-scale applications in aerospace, electronics, and energy-efficient materials.
Controlled synthesis of crystal flakes paves path for advanced future electronics
Researchers developed a way to manufacture idealized two-dimensional semiconductor materials, overcoming the challenge of InAs's 3D lattice structure. The breakthrough enables the creation of ultrathin, flexible, and transparent materials suitable for next-generation electronics and optoelectronics.
Solving the puzzle of 2D disorder
An interdisciplinary team of Northwestern University researchers has developed a new method to determine the fingerprint of neighboring disorder in 2D materials. This method enables a universal curve that characterizes disorder potentials, leading to improved performance in transistors and gas sensors.
New non-radioactive, neutral reagent reveals viruses in clear detail
Researchers at Hiroshima University have discovered a new non-radioactive compound that can be used to stain and image viruses in clear detail using TEM. The Preyssler-type phosphotungstate molecule is a good alternative to radioactive uranyl acetate, providing easy-to-use and stable results.
Dancing in the light
Scientists from Harvard and Pittsburgh develop liquid crystal elastomer material that can perform complex dance-like motions in response to UV light. The material's behavior is inspired by the interconnected structures of the human body, allowing it to seamlessly integrate dynamic processes.
Twisted soft robots navigate mazes without human or computer guidance
Researchers developed soft robots that can navigate complex environments like mazes and climb slopes of loose sand. The twist in the robot's design allows it to rotate around obstacles and 'snap' into place, enabling autonomous navigation without human or computer input.
Researchers unveil a secret of stronger metals
Scientists have found a novel pathway for forming smaller crystals in metals, leading to improved strength and toughness. By bombarding metal surfaces with tiny particles at high speeds, researchers increased copper's strength about tenfold.
Korea Maritime and Ocean University scholars find key to reducing defects in multimaterials
Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.
New material developed at University of Limerick, Ireland can ‘capture toxic pollutants from air’
Researchers at University of Limerick developed a new sponge-like porous material capable of capturing trace amounts of benzene, a toxic pollutant, from the air with low energy consumption. The material has strong affinity for benzene and can capture it even when present at very low concentrations.
Bio-inspired smart insulation materials poised to play key role in next-generation power grids
Researchers are exploring bio-inspired smart insulation materials that can adapt, heal, and report their own failure to inspectors, enabling more efficient and reliable power grids. These materials have the potential to extend service life and prevent costly interruptions.
Traveling to the centre of planet Uranus: Materials synthesis research and study in terapascal range for the first time
A research team from the University of Bayreuth has successfully generated and analyzed materials under compression pressures of over 1 terapascal, a breakthrough that could deepen our understanding of matter. The study reveals the synthesis and structural analysis of novel rhenium compounds in the terapascal range.
Scientists have discovered how bloodworms make their unique copper teeth
Bloodworms use copper harvested from sediments to form their jaws, which are strong enough to last five years. The worm synthesizes a material with mechanical properties similar to manufactured metals through a complex process involving protein and melanin.
Nature inspired strong, lightweight material for planes, buildings and bone implants
Researchers at Princeton University developed a new material that combines natural inspirations with engineering innovations. The porous objects feature spinodal microstructures, allowing for customizable performance based on material and geometry.
Lasers trigger magnetism in atomically thin quantum materials
Researchers discovered that light can trigger magnetism in normally nonmagnetic materials by aligning electron spins. This breakthrough could enable the development of quantum bits for quantum computing and other applications.
‘Dative epitaxy’: A new way to stack crystal films
Researchers have developed a novel method called 'dative epitaxy' for growing thin layers of crystals made from different materials on top of each other. This technique allows for the formation of special chemical bonds to fix crystal orientation, overcoming limitations of conventional and van der Waals epitaxial techniques.
Researchers engineer electrically tunable graphene devices to study rare physics
A team of researchers has developed a tunable graphene-based platform to study exceptional points, which exhibit unique properties when light and matter interact. The breakthrough could lead to advancements in optoelectronic technologies and potentially contribute to the development of 'beyond-5G' wireless technology.
A granular understanding
Engineers at University of California - Santa Barbara found that suspensions exhibit distinct behaviors when measured at varying scales. The study highlights the limitations of approximations and has industrial applications in manufacturing.
Optimizing the Mitigation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Biochar-treated Soils with Machine Learning
Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.
Ferrotoroidic model material is promising for the future quantum information applications
Researchers at IOPCAS have synthesized a new compound Ba6Cr2S10, exhibiting ferroelectricity due to broken space-reversal symmetry. The discovery demonstrates the realization of a 1D ferrotoroidic model in a real material, opening doors for future quantum information technology.