metal
Stronger than steel, novel metals are moldable as plastic
New Haven, Conn. — Imagine a material that’s stronger than steel, but just as versatile as plastic, able to take on a seemingly endless variety of forms. For decades, materials scientists have been trying to come up with just such an ideal su…
Researchers discover new way to design metal nanoparticle catalysts
Tiny metal nanoparticles are used as catalysts in many reactions, from refining chemicals to producing polymers and biofuels. How well these nanoparticles perform as catalysts for these reactions depend on which of their crystal faces are exposed.
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Caltech-led team creates damage-tolerant metallic glass
PASADENA, Calif. — Glass is inherently strong, but when it cracks or otherwise fails, it proves brittle, shattering almost immediately. Steel and other metal alloys tend to be tough — they resist shattering — but are also relatively weak; they …
Biological joints could replace artificial joints soon
Artificial joint replacements can drastically change a patient’s quality of life. Painful, arthritic knees, shoulders and hips can be replaced with state-of-the-art metal or ceramic implants, eliminating pain and giving a person a new lease on life….
Nano antenna concentrates light
HOUSTON — (Sept. 20, 2010) — Everybody who’s ever used a TV, radio or cell phone knows what an antenna does: It captures the aerial signals that make those devices practical. A lab at Rice University has built an antenna that captures light in…