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Scientists unlock new way to engineer next generation glass

Researchers fine-tune a new type of glass made from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that efficiently trap gases like CO2 and hydrogen. The discovery provides a new design framework for making customized MOF glasses with tailored properties, enabling applications in gas separation, chemical storage, and advanced coatings.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Finding order in disorder: A new mechanism that amplifies transverse electron transport

A study by researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology discovered that engineered disorder can amplify transverse electron transport in magnetic materials. The findings suggest that deliberately using disorder in materials design could lead to new opportunities in spintronics and thermoelectric energy-conversion technologies.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 24, 2026

Fragility crossover: Mediated by covalent-like electronic interactions in metallic liquids

A team of researchers used rapid calorimetry to study the dynamics of metallic liquids, revealing a composition-dependent trend in fragility. They found that an increase in aluminum content led to a sudden decrease in fragility, attributed to covalent-like electronic interactions between Al-Al bonds.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Unveiling Oxidation-induced Super-elasticity in Metallic Glass Nanotubes

A research team led by Professor Yang Yong found that severely oxidized metallic glass nanotubes can attain an ultrahigh recoverable elastic strain of up to 14% at room temperature. The discovery implies that oxidation in low-dimension metallic glass can result in unique properties for applications in sensors, medical devices, and othe...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

Accelerated relaxation dynamics in compressed cerium-based metallic glass

A new method has revealed an unexpected acceleration of relaxation dynamics in compressed cerium-based metallic glass under high pressure. The study shows a non-monotonic crossover at ~3 GPa, indicating that structural details play a crucial role in glass relaxation dynamics.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

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

At last, a simple 3D printer for metal

Researchers have developed a new approach to 3D printing metals, using metallic glasses, which can produce solid, high-strength metal components with minimal processing. The technique eliminates the need for expensive and complicated support structures, making it more practical and commercially viable than current methods.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateSep 4, 2018

Atomic 're-packing' behind metallic glass mystery

Researchers have solved a decades-long puzzle about metallic glasses' atomic structure using a new method combining various techniques. The study revealed a hidden amorphous phase within a certain temperature range, linked to metals' ability to form glass and potentially enabling the development of stronger novel materials.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 2017

Theory lends transparency to how glass breaks

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new theory and computational methods to understand how metallic glasses behave under stress, revealing the formation of shear bands that can lead to breaking. The study provides valuable insights into improving the strength and durability of glass materials.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

Towards better metallic glasses

Metallic glasses have the potential to revolutionize many commercial applications due to their toughness and hardness. The researchers uncovered the mechanism by which fivefold symmetry inhibits crystallisation, making it an important step in developing metallic glasses for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2016

Paving the way toward novel strong, conductive materials

Scientists have developed a method to predict which alloys can form bulk metallic glasses, overcoming the complex process of synthesizing these alloys. The new approach identifies hundreds of new candidates for metallic glass made from simple two-element alloys, opening up possibilities for novel strong and conductive materials.

Making sense of metallic glass

Researchers at Carnegie Institution explore the rules behind metallic glasses, materials that are stronger and more resistant than traditional metals. By studying alloys under extreme pressures, they found a consistent numeric relationship between structure and properties, which could aid further discovery and synthesis.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Pitt engineer turns metal into glass

Materials scientist Scott X. Mao successfully creates metallic glasses from pure metals by applying ultrafast cooling rates, solving a long-standing issue in the field. The process involves a novel technique that enables transformation of liquefied elemental metals into glass.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2014

Glasses strong as steel: A fast way to find the best

Scientists at Yale University have developed a faster way to identify and characterize complex alloys known as bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), which are stronger than steel. The new method allows researchers to screen about 3,000 alloys per day, significantly reducing the time needed for discovery.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 13, 2014

Searching for the 'perfect glass'

Scientists at Carnegie's Geophysical Laboratory have discovered a metallic glass that demonstrates long-range order among its atoms, a key characteristic of the elusive 'perfect glass' state. By applying high pressure, they were able to create a single crystal and preserve its structural order.

Metallic glass yields secrets under pressure

Scientists at Carnegie Institution used high-pressure techniques to study the connection between density and electronic structure of a cerium-aluminum metallic glass, opening up new possibilities for developing metallic glasses. The research found that high pressure causes changes in properties such as volume or electronic behavior, re...

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 16, 2010