Corrosion examined on atomic level

When water vapor meets metal, the resulting corrosion can lead to mechanical problems that harm a machine’s performance. Through passivation, it also can form a thin inert layer that acts as a barrier against further deterioration. Either way, the exact chemical reaction is not well understood on an atomic level, but that is changing thanks to environmental transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which allows researchers to directly view molecules interacting on the tiniest possible scale.

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Compressor cracks cited in Canadian helo crash

Fractures in the sixth-stage compressor wheel triggered a catastrophic engine failure and caused the April 2022 fatal crash of a Kestrel Helicopters 1981 Hughes 369D during long-line slinging operations in British Columbia, according to a recently released report from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board.

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Stunning discovery: metals can heal themselves

For the first time, scientists at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, N.M. and Texas A&M University, have witnessed pieces of metal crack, then fuse back together without any human intervention, overturning fundamental scientific theories in the process.

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Imec first to demonstrate conductor films on 300 mm wafers with lower resistivity than Cu and Ru

Imec, Belgium, a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, provided the first experimental evidence that the resistivity of a thin conductor film on a 300mm Si wafer can be lower than that of Cu and Ru, which are currently used in interconnect metallization schemes, marking a milestone towards enabling low-resistive interconnect with line widths below 10nm.

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Predicting grain growth for better materials

New research is helping scientists better understand how microstructures change, or undergo grain growth, at high temperatures, thus determining properties such as hardness. A team of materials scientists and applied mathematicians developed a mathematical model that more accurately describes such microstructures by integrating data that can be identified from highly magnified images taken during experiments.

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Electron-rich metals make ceramics tough to crack

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have discovered a way to make ceramics tougher and more resistant to cracking, by building them with a blend of metal atoms with more electrons in their outer shell, unlocking the potential to enable ceramics to handle higher levels of force and stress than before.

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Plastometrex continues global expansion with Japanese partnerships

Plastometrex, an advanced mechanical testing technology provider in Cambridge, England, announced its strategic expansion into the Japanese market in partnership with two leading technology companies, Kobe Material Testing Laboratory (KMTL) and AeroEdge. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Plastometrex’s journey towards transforming the global mechanical testing industry.

Since its inception, Plastometrex has had a clear mission of delivering simpler, faster, and more insightful mechanical testing to materials science and engineering teams the world over. Following the commercial launch of its flagship product, the Benchtop Plastometer, the company has enjoyed rapid global expansion, partnering with some of the most recognizable industrial organizations and research institutions in the world. That expansion now continues with a move into Japan, as KMTL, a leading independent testing laboratory in Asia focusing on materials testing services, took delivery of the country’s first Plastometrex device, as part of the newly formed partnership.

With the Plastometer, KMTL will now be able to obtain metal stress-strain curves, measured by the device from indentation test data, in less than 5 minutes. This unlocks unprecedented testing speed and flexibility for users at all stages of the product lifecycle, from alloy design through to failure analysis. KMTL has now added the Plastometer to its comprehensive range of testing services, further strengthening the organization’s position as a technology-forward testing partner.

“We are delighted to be able to introduce the Plastometer to our client base across Japan,” said Nobuhito Tsurui, Executive Vice President, KMTL. “The technology will allow our customers to measure critical mechanical property data from small and challenging-to-test samples for the first time. This will enable them to design, manufacture, and repair their products with greater efficiency and confidence.”

AeroEdge, an engineering services company specializing in machining and additive manufacturing (AM) technology, will be among the first to use KMTL’s new Benchtop Plastometer. Having significantly grown its capability in the printing of aerospace materials, specifically complex titanium aluminides for demanding high-temperature applications, the Plastometrex technology will enable AeroEdge to accelerate the development of these complex AM materials and parts.

“Plastometrex’s novel testing technology enables us to optimize our AM materials with much less material and in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods,” said Kazuhiro Mizuta, Managing Director, AeroEdge. “We are excited to support the introduction of this transformative testing technology to the Japanese market where it will play an important role in supporting the continued adoption of AM in the region.”

“This strategic collaboration with KMTL and AeroEdge is a testament to our commitment to innovation and to our continued global expansion. Japan represents a vibrant and dynamic market, and our partnership with these two esteemed companies will allow us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that drive progress and transformation in metal testing and additive manufacturing.” Mike Coto, CCO, Plastometrex.

 

 

For more information:

AeroEdge

https://aeroedge.co.jp/en/

 

Kobe Material Testing Laboratory

https://en.kmtl.co.jp/

 

Plastometrex

https://plastometrex.com/

Metal Powder Works and Solvus Global announce strategic alliance

Solvus Global (SG), Leominster, Mass., and Metal Powder Works (MPW), Clinton, Pa., announced a strategic alliance in the development of new materials, a groundbreaking collaboration that will move the needle on the future of powder production for the advanced manufacturing industry. A pivotal aspect of this collaboration is Solvus Global’s acquisition of a Metal Powder Works DirectPowder system, the first unit to be placed outside MPW’s Pittsburgh production facility.

Under the terms of this strategic alliance, Solvus Global and its business unit Powders on Demand will also be the first to join Metal Powder Works’ newly established Developer Network, enabling industry leading startups to combine resources to accelerate the production of new and conventionally challenging powders for the additive manufacturing (AM) industry. With the DirectPowder Unit at their disposal, Solvus Global gains a competitive edge in advanced powder production capabilities for its AM and coating systems. Moreover, being an integral part of Metal Powder Works’ Developer Network will provide Solvus Global with unprecedented access to a wide array of materials not currently available as powder, significantly reducing time and cost to access crucial resources for their innovative projects.

Powders on Demand CEO Brad Richards shares that “We’re excited to lead the way in economic production of powders starting at R&D all the way through commercial scale to enable our public and private sector customers to push the boundaries of AM and coatings.” As Solvus Global Co-Founder & CEO, Aaron Birt describes it, “For instance, there are only 16 approved AMS [Aerospace Material] specifications for powder today while there are more than 2,000 approved AMS specifications for bar stock. AM needs more than 16 alloys to be successful.”

John Barnes Metal Powder Works’ CEO and Founder commented on this exciting development, “We’ve known the people at Solvus Global for a very long time, even before MPW existed. It is crucial for us to help the AM community by making more materials available in powder form, so every business case doesn’t automatically require a change in material. Solvus Global understands the requirements of the various processes for powder, so this is a natural partnership.”

This partnership between Solvus Global and Metal Powder Works is a testament to the shared commitment to pushing the envelope in additive manufacturing and powder production. By harnessing the combined expertise and resources of these industry leaders, the AM industry will have access to limitless possibilities in materials development and manufacturing.

 

Image – MPW DirectPowder System.

 

 

For more information:

 

Metal Powder Works

www.metalpowderworks.com

Powders on Demand

http://www.powdersondemand.com

 

Solvus Global
http://www.solvusglobal.com

U. S. Steel and DuPont launch COASTALUME product, North America’s first GALVALUME solution engineered and warrantied for coastal environments

United States Steel Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa., and DuPont, Wilmington, Del., launched COASTALUME, North America’s first GALVALUME material designed and warrantied for coastal environments. Marking a collaboration of two iconic American industry leaders, the new COASTALUME product combines the strength and self-healing characteristics of U. S. Steel’s GALVALUME material with DuPont Tedlar PVF film barrier that withstands saltwater corrosion, UV damage, cracking, impact, and more. The jointly designed product is exclusively available through U. S. Steel.

Today, nearly 40 percent of Americans live in coastal counties and increasingly face unpredictability and damage caused by environmental factors like hurricane force winds and saltwater spray. By combining these two materials for the first time, U. S. Steel and DuPont have built a maintenance-free roofing solution that offers a level of durability and reliability needed in residential and commercial construction along the coast. The addition of a best-in-class warranty along with a timeless aesthetic, including a wide variety of color and finish options, further elevates steel options for builders, architects, and homeowners alike.

“American-made steel stands above steel made anywhere else, and steel is infinitely recyclable, unlike other building materials,” said Robert Kopf, Vice President Sales and Marketing, at U. S. Steel. “With our new product COASTALUME we were able to combine our steel with the proven performance and durability of DuPont Tedlar PVF film, and fully address the unique needs of coastal construction, which must withstand the toll that wind and saltwater inflict over time. This was engineered to address that need head-on.”

Applied directly to the steel coil, Tedlar film excels in resisting sea water and salt spray, maintaining color integrity even in prolonged sun exposure. Available in over 30 different colors, including metallics, wood grains, and stone finishes, its combination of durability and versatility is unmatched.

“DuPont invented Tedlar over six decades ago, and today it remains the industry gold standard in protection because of its flexibility, durability, and reliability,” said Matt Urfali, Vice President Sales and Marketing, DuPont Tedlar. “Tedlar’s performance and ease of maintenance have rightfully driven several exciting applications over the years, including use by the solar industry, aerospace, and even NASA. Now, by combining the resilience and flexibility of Tedlar with the strength of U. S. Steel’s GALVALUME material, this is the next breakthrough for the demanding construction market along the coast.”

COASTALUME’s product warranty uniquely covers roofing and siding products installed up to 300 feet from breaking surf, large bays, marshes, and other coastlines. The exclusive warranty also covers up to 50 years for finish warranty and 25 years for substrate, another industry best.

 

Image – GALVALUME with DuPont Tedlar PVF Film to withstand challenges associated with America’s coastal environment.

 

 

For more information:

DuPont
www.dupont.com

United States Steel Corporation

www.ussteel.com

Women in Engineering Profile: Judith Todd

This new profile series introduces leading materials scientists from around the world who happen to be females. Here we speak with Judith A. Todd, head of the engineering science and mechanics (ESM) department, P.B. Breneman Chair, and professor of engineering science and mechanics at Penn State.

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Constellium to sell three german extrusion plants to Vaessen Aluminium

Constellium, Paris,  announced that it signed a binding agreement with Vaessen Aluminium for the sale of three of Constellium’s soft alloy extrusion facilities located in Landau, Crailsheim and Burg in Germany for a total cash consideration of €48.8 million.

With nearly 450 employees, the three Constellium plants specialize in soft alloy extruded products for the Building & Construction, Transportation and Industry markets in Europe.

Vaessen Aluminium belongs to a longstanding family-owned industrial group, headquartered in Belgium, active in aluminum billets and profiles (E-Max), in lighting and ceiling (Kreon) and in wall cladding (Limeparts Drooghmans).

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Read further here.

Charged ions melt nano gold nuggets

In experiments conducted at TU Wien, Vienna, extremely small pieces of gold, consisting of a few thousand atoms and with a diameter in the order of ten nanometers, are bombarded with highly charged ions. This makes it possible to change the shape and size of these gold pieces in a targeted manner. The effects of the ion bombardment were then studied in an atomic force microscope with surprising results.

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Graphene grows—and we can see it

Graphene is extremely strong and good at conducting heat and electrical currents, making it an exceptionally versatile material. Yet, many properties of the material are still poorly understood – for the simple reason that the atoms they are made up of are very difficult to observe. A team of researchers from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and New York University have now found a surprising way to solve this issue.

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Neural network based control for magnetic shape memory alloy actuator

Sophia University, Japan, researchers have developed a new control scheme for the magnetic shape memory alloy-based actuator (MSMA-BA) that improves its positioning accuracy.

While MSMA-BA is a crucial component for high-precision positioning systems due to its high precision, low energy consumption, and large stroke, its hysteresis is an intrinsic property that can negatively affect its positioning accuracy. The team proposed a multi meta-model approach that combines the nonlinear auto-regressive moving average with exogenous inputs (NARMAX) and Bouc–Wen (BW) models to describe the dynamic hysteresis of MSMA-BA.

A wavelet neural network (WNN) was used to construct the nonlinear function of the multi meta-model, while iterative learning control was combined with a WNN to improve convergence speed. The proposed iterative learning controller was tested on MSMA-BA, with experiments demonstrating the scheme’s validity. The study’s main contribution was the convergence analysis of the iteration learning controller with iteration-dependent uncertainties.

Read further here.