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A D V A N C E D M A T E R I A L S & P R O C E S S E S | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 1 1 in constructions. If such bubbles are not identified and removed, they can cause cracks and damage. Moreover, a trans- ducer can serve as a basis for develop- ing sensitive vibration gauges used to register earthquake shocks, as well as a source and a receiver of sound waves for underwater works. “Transducers based on our al- loys are going to be more durable and long-lasting than the existing analogs and will work in a wide range of mag- netic fields,” says researcher Alexey Filimonov. For example, the technology could be used to produce arterial stents that would flow in the bloodstream in a compact form and then unfold in a des- ignated place. www.english.spbstu.ru. NEW PROCESS CREATES LIGHTWEIGHT MAGNESIUM ALLOYS In a world’s first, scientists have discovered a new technique that can be used for producing stronger, light- weight magnesium alloys. The newly uncovered phenomenon could enhance structural integrity in the aerospace and automobile industries. Researchers at Monash Univer- sity, Australia, identified a pattern of alloying element segregation in twin boundaries by utilizing atomic-resolu- tion x-ray mapping at much lower elec- tron voltage. The discovery is important because the deformation of lightweight magnesium during thermomechanical processes and applications prevents common alloys from being used more extensively instead of steel in light- weight materials. In addition, it has implications for other light alloys like titanium and aluminum. “Lightweight magnesium has tre- mendous potential for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly applica- tions. But the segregation in these ma- terials is prone to electron beam dam- age,” says lead researcher Jian-Feng Nie. The scientists employed a mag- nesium alloy containing silver and neodymium as part of their research. This alloy consists of better mechan- ical properties at ambient as well as Monash University has discovered a tech- nique for creating stronger, lightweight magnesium alloys. increased temperatures. They discov- ered considerable enhancements in shear stress, by as much as 33 times, and the elastic strain limit took place when the twin boundary was populated with silver and neodymium. The elevated charge density ex- isting between silver and neodymium with the magnesium represented a stronger bond and reinforcement of the twin boundary. On applying the force, the magnesium is moved toward the neodymium and away from the silver— forming a stronger, lightweight alloy. monash.edu.