Surface Dynamics

Process makes polymers truly plastic

Researchers have created a new lithography strategy that allows for dynamic generation of various patterns on large areas of soft plastics or polymers. This enables rapid switching between different textures, such as smooth to rough and back again, with fast timescales of milliseconds.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers discover the cause of irradiation-induced instability in materials surfaces

Harvard researchers develop rigorous mathematical theory to predict surface stability or instability under irradiation over time. The theory reveals that the cumulative effect of atoms knocked around, not blasted away, determines surface stability.

Catalysis takes center stage at chemistry conference

PNNL scientists are harnessing the power of catalysis to address real-world energy problems, including hydrogen oxidation and production for fuel cells. Researchers are also exploring alternative catalysts using inexpensive metals like nickel and cobalt to reduce costs.

Measurement technique probes surface structure of gold nanocrystals

A new technique, nano-area coherent electron diffraction, has been developed to study the atomic structure of gold and other nanocrystalline materials. The technique reveals striking differences in surface atoms' arrangement compared to bulk crystalline surfaces.

Bouncing bucky balls

Researchers have found that C60 molecules exhibit a wide range of molecular motions on surfaces, including spinning and bouncing. The motion is influenced by temperature and intercage rattling, which governs the friction-related properties of the bucky balls.