NEWSROOM

Tensile properties and microstructure of a Ni-based high entropy alloy exhibiting temperature-insensitive mechanical behavior over a wide temperature range.

A new super metal stands strong, no matter the temperature

This development holds significant promise for applications that involve sudden or extreme temperature changes, such as rocket or jet engines, automotive exhaust systems, power plant turbines, and pipelines. The alloy’s ability to maintain stable performance under such conditions can greatly enhance both safety and efficiency in these demanding environments.

Material Science

Apr 17, 20252 min read

Electron microscope image of the aluminum alloy from the study. The light gray areas are sections of traditional crystals within the aluminum alloy, while the black dots are sections where NIST found quasicrystals. Meandering black lines emanate from the quasicrystal sections. These lines are defects that break up the pattern of traditional crystals throughout the alloy, increasing its strength.

Rare crystal shape found to increase the strength of 3D-printed metal

In metals, perfect crystals are weak. The regular patterns of perfect crystals make it easier for the atoms to slip past each other. When that happens, the metal bends, stretches or breaks. Quasicrystals break up the regular pattern of the aluminum crystals, causing defects that make the metal stronger.

Material Science

Apr 15, 20255 min read

Twisted crystals open door to smaller, more powerful optical devices

In twisted moiré photonic crystals, how the layers twist and overlap can change how the material interact with light. By changing the twist angle and the spacing between layers, these materials can be fine-tuned to control and manipulate different aspects of light simultaneously — meaning the multiple optical components typically needed to simultaneous measure light’s phase, polarization, and wavelength could be replaced with one device.

Material Science

Apr 10, 20253 min read