LTI Vehicles, manufacturer of the widely used black taxis in the U.K.,

Sept. 16, 2004
Scientists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory found that pure zirconium metal forms glass at temperatures roughly one-third of zirconium's melting temperature and under static pressures of around 5 billion pascals.

How to make glass out of pure zirconium

"This is the first time that bulk-metallic glass has been formed from a single element or pure metal," says researcher Yusheng Zhao. "By using industrial pressure processes to make pure samples without the defects that appear in metallic glasses made the conventional way, we've identified a method with potentially-important commercial applications,"he adds.

Bulk-metallic glasses (BMGs) have begun replacing conventional materials such as crystalline metals, metal alloys, and high-tech ceramics. They resist breaking when stretched, keep their shape, are hard to shatter, and behave elastically like polymers but are much stronger than metal alloys. Current applications include structural-engineering materials, consumer-electronic components, replacement joints and skis, tennis rackets, and golf-club heads. But these BMGs contain three or more component elements, which means they have lower thermal stability and phase separation at higher temperatures.

The Los Alamos samples remain as glass at temperatures above 1,600F, more than 400 higher than the temperatures at which they were formed, and at pressures of 2.8 billion pascals. Traditional BMGs turn to crystals, losing important properties at temperatures as low as 800F.

Sponsored Recommendations

Altech's Liquid Tight Strain Relifs Catalog

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

Industrial Straight-Through Cable Gland

March 13, 2024
Learn more about Altech's cable glands and all they have to offer for your needs!

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Smooth Sorting with SEW-EURODRIVE!

Feb. 22, 2024
Sorting systems are essential when it comes to warehouse automation, material handling, and distribution. SEW-EURODRIVE’s automated sorting solutions increase capacity, reliability...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!