Surface science features, January 2011

Recyclable nanosheets as high-performance barrier material

New nanosheets for electronics, energy storage, and health and safety applications

Novel titanium alloy produces infection-resistant implants

A novel titanium alloy with tantalum and copper can produce surgical implants that kill 87% of the bacteria that cause staph infections.

New platinum-gold alloy most wear-resistant in the world

A novel platinum-gold alloy, 100 times more durable than high-strength steel, is believed to be the most wear-resistant metal in the world.

Graphene film can have higher thermal conductivity than graphite film

A novel graphene-assembled film possesses higher thermal conductivity than graphite film, even though graphite consists of many layers of graphene.

Towards strength–ductility synergy through the design of heterogeneous nanostructures in metals