Computation and theory

Positive results help explain metal’s negative thermal expansion

A new study shows that samarium sulfide expands at low temperatures due to electrons moving into the outermost shell of the samarium atoms.

Neural network for materials discovery learns to go with the flow

A novel neural network was able to reduce the time needed to discover promising materials for a flow battery from 50 years to five weeks.

Crumpled graphene can detect DNA without amplification

Researchers have found that crumpling graphene makes it more than 10,000 times more sensitive to DNA by creating electrical ‘hotspots’.

Composite metal foam passes pool fire test

Composite metal foams have passed so-called ‘simulated pool fire testing’, which indicates they could be used for transporting hazardous materials.

Announcing the launch of Best Paper Prizes on Elseviers Leading Polymer Journals

Machine learning with synthetic data improves indentation tests

Utilizing 'hybrid data', a new analytical technique can improve the estimation of mechanical properties of metallic materials from indention tests.

New technique captures lithium ions on the move

Using an electrochemical cell inside a transmission electron microscope, scientists have captured in real time how lithium ions move in lithium titanate.

Peaks and valleys prevent frost formation on any surface

Researchers have shown that modifying any surface with millimeter tall peaks and valleys can reduce frost formation on that surface by 60%.

New model reveals graphene’s twisted state

A novel analytical model can identify how twisted graphene sheets behave and determine their stability at different sizes and temperatures.

Five degrees of freedom

Five degrees of freedom in polycrystalline materials