Latest Microstructure Stories

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Advanced ceramic composites can withstand the ultrahigh operational temperatures projected for hypersonic jet and next generation gas turbine engines, but real-time analysis of the mechanical properties of these space-age materials at ultrahigh temperatures has been a challenge – until now. Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have developed the first testing facility that...

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Oct. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The NanoSteel® Company, a leader in bulk materials nanotechnology, today announced that two technical papers and a technical poster will be presented next week at the 2011 Materials Science & Technology (MS&T) Conference and Exhibition, October 16-20 in Columbus, Ohio. The presentations will focus on NanoSteel research and development breakthroughs in high-strength, iron-based metallic glass and glassy nanomaterials. "Understanding...

Nacre, commonly known as mother-of-pearl, is the iridescent material lining many mollusk shells. It is part of a two-layer armor system that protects the animal from predators. The brittle outer layer of the shell absorbs the initial impact, but is prone to cracking. To prevent these cracks from catastrophically propagating through the shell to the animal itself, the nacreous layer is surprisingly strong and tough, with outstanding crack arresting properties. Thus it acts as a lining to...

By Vaidya, U K Chawla, K K; Thattaiparthasarthy, K Balaji; Goel, A Interest in thermoplastic matrix composites has increased in recent years due to several advantages of these materials, including high volume process ability, recyclability, superior damage tolerance and fracture toughness, and ability to produce complex shapes. Among thermoplastic composites, long-fiber thermoplastics (LFTs) are finding increased use in the automotive and transportation sector. Predictive process and...