Materials Sciences

British experts have pioneered the world’s first non-tarnishing sterling silver in a breakthrough that could revolutionise the silver industry.

Researchers in Sheffield, the city famous for stainless steel, have developed a ‘stainless silver’ alloy that resists the discolouring effect of pollutants and retains its bright finish.

The groundbreaking alloy, developed by researchers from Sheffield Hallam University’s Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI) and l

The continuing trend toward higher circuit density in microelectronic devices has motivated research efforts in varieties of high-resolution lithography techniques, including electron beam (EB), X-ray, and deep UV irradiation. Use of ultra-thin films and new materials have been proposed as approaches to improve resolution in lithography. The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique is very effective method used to prepare well-defined ultra-thin film with controlled thickness and orientation at a mol

Coloured transparent organic-inorganic hybrid coatings

Interior design is set to utilise a new era in coloured materials if a team of researchers from Mexico have their way. The researchers have developed hard, coloured, transparent, organic–inorganic hybrid coatings for a range of materials. The success of the coatings comes from the formation of a composite or bio-mineral system at the nanoscopic or molecular level.

In a paper published in AZojomo*, the researchers, J.

Enhancing the thermal conductivity of â-Si 3N 4 ceramics

Silicon nitride ceramics are important engineering materials due to their excellent properties such as fracture toughness, wear resistance and high temperature strength. They were originally developed to compete with metallic parts and now find application in such areas as engine components, glow plugs for diesel engines, cutting tools, bearings, nozzles and kiln furniture.

Thermal conductivity is an important physi

Geopolymers with the potential for use as refractory castable

From the most technologically aware city dwellers to remote jungle tribes, almost the entire population of the earth know polymeric materials as plastics. Although some plastics are oven proof and can readily withstand high temperatures, they generally melt or burn at extreme temperatures.

Inorganic polymers are different and show promise for use in elevated temperature applications. Inorganic polymers made f

Materials Preparation Center Creates Stronger, Lighter Aluminum Alloy

The next generation of jet fighter aircraft could fly farther and faster thanks to a new high-strength aluminum alloy prepared at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory. The new alloy is one material being developed for use in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a cutting-edge aircraft that will see widespread use as the primary fighter for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Marines as well as U.S. allies abroad.