Stainless steel is widely known for its corrosion resistance. But when it is exposed to environments containing chloride ions, such as seawater, the risk of corrosion increases. Manufacturers typically grind the surface to smooth it. However, this finishing process reduces corrosion resistance even further. Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan have recently shed light on why this occurs.
Unconventional method strengthens metal in extreme conditions
Blacksmiths fire metals before hammering them, as heat always softens metal, making it more malleable and easier to reshape. Or does it? In a surprising new study, engineers from Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.) discovered that, in extreme conditions, heat does not soften pure metals—it strengthens them.
Stacking up: A new take on diamond electronics
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have overcome a critical barrier in diamond-based electronics and microelectronics by using nanotechnology to integrate two-dimensional materials for efficient n-type doping, a breakthrough in electronic materials designed to operate in high-temperature environments and other harsh environments.






