Metamaterials are engineered materials designed to exhibit properties not found in naturally occurring substances. They can potentially mimic the characteristics of rare-earth elements, such as gadolinium, which are expensive due to the complexities of mining and refining. The discussion highlights that while metamaterials can incorporate rare-earth elements, their manipulation at the molecular level allows for unique properties, such as enhanced reflectivity. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between the availability of rare-earth elements and the engineering of metamaterials.
PREREQUISITESResearchers, material scientists, and engineers interested in the applications and properties of metamaterials and rare-earth elements.
Given the OP's posting history, one can make a pretty good guess to this. Further, since it assumes facts contrary to reality, that guess can be supported.DaveC426913 said:Have you read up on what meta materials are?
That's because it's a medium-rare earth element.Vanadium 50 said:Gadolimium costs as much per pound as a decent steak.
Well I'm pretty sure they are common materials that have been "textured" at the moleculer level in the range of smaller than wavelengths as that their properties are different? I just don't know in what ways other than in what ways besides maybe more reflective.DaveC426913 said:Have you read up on what meta materials are? What similarities are you thinking they might share with rare and expensive earth metals?
And are rare-earth elements naturally occurring?LightningInAJar said:"any material engineered to have a property that is not found in naturally occurring materials."
Well they aren't man made. China has a mining advantage over the US in extracting it, and I heard (likely on 60 minutes) that the process of getting them is toxic and expensive but we need them for many devices. In any event if metamaterials can't be used as a stand in I guess that settles that.Vanadium 50 said:And are rare-earth elements naturally occurring?