Tuesday, April 3, 2012

AMORPHOUS METALS - post by David Morris

Let's talk about Amorphous Metals, these can be twice as strong as steel and have the ability to improve efficiency for power grids in trying to lower the fossil fuel emissions that so many people have problems with.  They are made through rapid cooling so that the materials in them are locked in a sort of glassy state.  The glassy metals look really cool and the lack of the crystalline structure, that is usually created when the metals aren't cooled as rapidly, makes it so there aren't significant weak spots for wear and corrosion to take place.  These Amorphous Metals have some pretty cool uses based upon their properties.  Earlier in the semester Professor Folz told us that Ceramics were used on tanks so that the ceramic shell would absorb all the shock from a missile that was shot at the tank.  

The Amorphous Metals are similar to ceramics, so what if we put the amorphous metals on tanks?  Amorphous Metals are stronger and less brittle than ceramics, so it would make a stronger shell.


 What are some other cool interesting things that you found in the futuristic materials article or on Amorphous Metals? Because I'm down to hear about cool stuff that could potentially be the big thing of the future.

2 comments:

  1. This is a great idea to bring up seeing as these types of materials can be used for many different things not only one application. These materials have previously been used in things such as diamonds and clothing. From the look of the site you posted they are using the materials for things that are interesting but not necessarily practical. I think some of the materials shown could be put to much use. For instance a military tank. Like you said, the material is strong and can protect it from shock but the material used to protect the crayons from the blowtorch on this site, could that be used as well? If it was I feel it could not only absorb the shock but also repel some of the fire caused by a missile or weapons being used against the tank. In terms of the future if this material is made to be cheaper and for everyday use the materials would be life changing. Safer cars, stronger alloys, stronger buildings, and since some are "liquid metals" these can be used to fit into small spaces to strengthen a system. Just an idea

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  2. I read through the futuristic materials article and it looks like there is some awesome stuff on the horizon! One material from the article that intrigued me isn't very new. Bulk diamond has really sparked my interest as I have read in multiple places that diamonds are quite abundant, and lab created diamonds are even better than natural diamonds.

    Imagine in 30 years, while building a swing-set for your kids, you need to drill through a metal pole. No problem! Your drill has a diamond tipped drill bit. Awesome.

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