Computation and theory news

Scientists use laser to forge 3D pyramid from graphene

Researchers have shown how laser light can be used to forge graphene into 3D objects such as a pyramid.

Bandgap of novel four-component alloy can span visible spectrum

Scientists have discovered a two-dimensional alloy with an optical bandgap that can be tuned by the temperature used to grow the alloy.

Aluminum with diamond structure would be lighter than water

Computer simulations predict that crystallized aluminum with a diamond-like structure would have a lower density than water.

New analysis shows how to harness defects in metal oxides

A new study shows that defects in the crystal lattice of insulating metal oxides could be key to their use in a variety of high-tech applications.

New technique allows 3D printing of high-strength alloys

Using zirconium-based nanoparticles, researchers have developed a novel technique for successfully 3D printing high-strength alloys.

Introducing Materials Science Research at Heliyon

Pull don’t push for silk production

A new study shows that animals spin silk by pulling rather than pushing it out of their bodies, which could improve the processing of synthetic materials.

Scientists unwrap the beneficial role of oxidation in hydrogen storage

A thin layer of oxidation on graphene-wrapped magnesium nanoparticles can enhance rather than hinder their hydrogen storage.

New polymer ink expands possibilities of 3D printing

A polymer ink for 3D printing that expands after it solidifies can produce printable structures that spontaneously fold themselves up.

Disordered glass can still have ordered optical properties

Scientists have discovered that stable glasses can possess optical properties such as birefringence that are usually only found in ordered materials.

Tunable materials that can change between mirror and window

Self-assembling nanoparticle arrays that change between a mirror and a window.

Layer of gold nanoparticles can switch between mirror and window

By controlling the distance between nanoparticles in a single layer, researchers have made a filter that can change between reflecting and transparent.

Proportional advance for solid-state electrolytes

By altering the proportion of the ingredients in a lithium-based material, scientists have found a good candidate for a solid-state electrolyte.

Peruvian innovator is recipient of Materials Today Embracing Challenge award

Fernando Torres recipient of 2017 Embracing Challenge award

Introducing the Materials Today book series

Coming soon, to a bookshelf near you.

Using open source hardware in scientific experiments – a collaborative initiative between Materials Characterization and HardwareX

Materials Characterization and HardwareX are teaming up to showcase research that is undertaken using hardware designed by scientists.

Cracks unstable at high speeds

Scientists have discovered the mechanism that causes cracks to behave strangely when they spread very rapidly in brittle materials.

Supercomputer produces solid findings on alloy microstructure

Computational modelling with a supercomputer has revealed how different solidification speeds alter the microstructure of a novel alloy.