Explore the Strength of Metallic Glass

In summary, metallic glass is a type of metal alloy with a disordered structure, similar to that of a liquid or glass. Due to its lack of grain boundaries, it is much stronger than traditional crystalline metal alloys and can be shaped into features as small as 10 nanometres. It also has a lower melting point and can be molded easily, making it desirable for companies. Another type of metallic glass has been created by combining iron and glass through a rapid freezing process.
  • #1
Ivan Seeking
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...Metallic glass sounds like an oxymoron, and in a way it is. It describes a metal alloy with a chaotic structure. While metal atoms normally arrange themselves in ordered arrays, or crystals, the atoms in a metallic glass are a disordered jumble, rather like the atoms in a liquid or a glass. And although strictly speaking a metallic glass isn't a liquid, because the atoms are fixed in place, one company is already marketing the stuff as "liquid metal".

It is the unusual structure that makes metallic glass so promising. In crystalline metal alloys, the atoms are ordered within regions called "grains", and the boundaries between the grains are points of weakness in the material. Metallic glasses, however, have no grain boundaries, so they are much stronger. Hit a crystalline metal with a hammer and it will bend, absorbing some of the energy of the blow by giving way along grain boundaries. But the atoms in an amorphous metal are tightly packed, and easily bounce back to their original shape after a blow (see Diagram). These materials lack bulky crystalline grains, so they can be shaped into features just 10 nanometres across. And their liquid-like structure means they melt at lower temperatures, and can be moulded nearly as easily as plastics.

No wonder companies are interested.[continued]
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/mech-tech/mg18624931.000
 
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  • #2
In the basic materials engineering class I took, the professor showed us some samples of "metallic glass" of a different sort: an alloy of glass and iron. It had been made by blowing a vapor consisting of iron & glass onto a very cold surface, where it froze so quickly that there wasn't time for the individual constituents to separate. It was transparent like glass, but with a greyish tint, and had some suface rust.
 
  • #3


The strength of metallic glass is truly remarkable and has the potential to revolutionize the field of materials science. The chaotic structure of metallic glass allows it to be much stronger than traditional crystalline metal alloys, making it a desirable material for various industries. Its ability to be shaped into small features and its lower melting point also make it a versatile material for use in various applications.

One of the biggest advantages of metallic glass is its lack of grain boundaries, which are points of weakness in traditional metal alloys. This means that metallic glass is much more resistant to bending and deformation, making it a highly durable material. It also has the ability to easily bounce back to its original shape after being subjected to impact or pressure, making it an ideal material for use in high-stress environments.

Furthermore, the ability of metallic glass to be molded into small features makes it a valuable material for use in microelectronics and nanotechnology. Its liquid-like structure also allows it to be easily molded, providing endless possibilities for its use in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics.

As more research is conducted on metallic glass, its strength and potential uses will continue to be explored. It has already caught the attention of companies and is being marketed as "liquid metal", showing the high demand for this unique material. With its strength, versatility, and potential for innovation, metallic glass is certainly a material worth exploring and investing in.
 

What is metallic glass?

Metallic glass is a type of metal that has a disordered atomic structure, unlike most traditional metals which have a highly ordered crystalline structure. This gives metallic glass unique properties such as high strength, low density, and corrosion resistance.

How is the strength of metallic glass measured?

The strength of metallic glass is typically measured using tensile tests, which involve pulling on a sample of the material until it breaks. Other methods such as compression and bending tests can also be used.

What factors affect the strength of metallic glass?

The strength of metallic glass is influenced by a variety of factors, including composition, cooling rate, and processing techniques. The presence of certain elements can also greatly affect the strength of the material.

What applications is metallic glass used for?

Metallic glass has a wide range of potential applications due to its unique properties. It is currently used in electronics, medical devices, and sporting goods. It also has potential uses in the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries.

What are the current challenges in exploring the strength of metallic glass?

One of the main challenges in exploring the strength of metallic glass is the difficulty in producing large, defect-free samples. The production of metallic glass also requires specialized equipment and careful control of the cooling process. Additionally, there is still much to be learned about the relationship between composition, structure, and properties in metallic glass.

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