ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JULY/AUGUST 2023 1 1 PROCESS TECHNOLOGY MAKING ATOMICALLY PRECISE METAL OXIDES A breakthrough method developed by University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, researchers is making it easier to create high-quality metal oxide thin films out of stubborn metals that have historically been difficult to synthesize in an atomically precise manner. The research paves the way for scientists to develop better materials for various next-generation applications including quantum computing, microelectronics, sensors, and energy catalysis. So-called stubborn metal oxides— such as those based on ruthenium or iridium—play a crucial role in numerous strength is recovered through the growth and connection of matter from opposite fracture surfaces.” The researchers developed a model to gauge the efficacy of their repairs in restoring mechanical strength based on the geometry of the fracture, the original strength of the overall structure, the strength of the nickel coating, and other process parameters. They applied their model to three different alloys, including two aluminum alloys commonly used in aircraft wings and fuselages, considered previously to be unweldable. The team plans to expand upon their work with the 3D-printed structure by designing and fabricating components that factor repairs needed beforehand to ensure effective recovery of strength is more easily facilitated. upenn.edu. applications in quantum information sciences and electronics. However, converting them into thin films has been a challenge for researchers due to the inherent difficulties in oxidizing metals using high-vacuum processes. While some researchers have successfully achieved oxidation, the methods used thus far have been costly, unsafe, or have resulted in poor material quality. Now, the University of Minnesota researchers found that incorporating epitaxial strain—effectively stretching the metals at the atomic level— significantly simplifies the oxidation process of these stubborn metals. With this groundbreaking discovery, the researchers aim to empower scientists worldwide to synthesize these novel materials. twin-cities.umn.edu. REPAIRING FRACTURED METALS A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, discovered a new technique to restore metals’ strength and toughness. The researchers used their novel electrochemical healing method to repair fractured metals in various metallic materials, including steel, aluminum alloys, and complex 3D-printed structures under room-temperature conditions. “We call our method electrochemical healing because it more closely resembles how our bodies repair a bone fracture,” says lead researcher Zakaria H’sain. “The healing matter is transported to the fracture site and GE Renewable Energy and Keystone Tower Systems, with help from the DOE, began operating the first wind turbine whose tower was built using spiral welding, which takes flat-rolled steel and curls it into a cylinder. The process makes it possible to build wind turbine towers onsite with just one machine. ge.com. Novelis Inc., Atlanta, announced the debut of its new roll forming development line in Novi, Mich. The experimental line will enable year-round, in-house R&D on roll forming, with the goal of creating a robust process that can produce large volumes of highstrength aluminum auto parts. novelis.com. BRIEFS University of Minnesota researchers developed a breakthrough method for creating high-quality metal oxide films for quantum computing and microelectronics applications. Courtesy of Olivia Hultgren/University of Minnesota. In this 3D graphic of an octet-truss lattice structure, the insets show how nickel ions can easily access the fractured internal strut, where they are reduced to nickel metal during electrochemical healing. Courtesy of Zakaria H’sain.
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