Scientists at Yale University devised a dramatically faster way of identifying and characterizing complex alloys known as bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), a versatile type of pliable glass that is stronger than steel.
Using traditional methods, it usually takes a full day to identify a single metal alloy appropriate for making BMGs.
The new method allows researchers to screen about 3,000 alloys per day and simultaneously ascertain certain properties, such as melting temperature and malleability.
"Instead of fishing with a single hook, we're throwing a big net," said Jan Schroers, senior author of the research.
"This should dramatically hasten the discovery of BMGs and new uses for them," Schroers said.
BMGs are metal alloys composed typically of three or more elements, such as magnesium, copper, and yttrium.
Certain combinations of elements, when heated and cooled to specific temperatures at specific rates, result in materials with unusual plasticity and strength.
Already used in watch components, golf clubs and other sporting goods, BMGs also have likely applications in biomedical technology, such as implants and stents, as well as in mobile phones, and other consumer electronics, said Schroers.
The study was published in the journal Nature Materials.
By Ruchi Singh
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com