ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | MARCH 2026 9 and spreads, engineers can create electrodes that are more resistant to stress and degradation. For example, the study suggests that applying controlled pressure to battery cells could help mitigate strain and enhance performance. “Our ultimate goal is the creation of advanced technologies that can substantially increase the utility and durability of batteries,” says researcher Jason Croy of Argonne National Laboratory. “Understanding how the design of electrodes influences their response to stress is a critical step in pushing the boundaries of what batteries can do.” In their research, the team used advanced imaging techniques to observe battery electrodes in real time during charging and discharging. Specialized tools including operando transmission x-ray microscopy and 3D x-ray laminography captured detailed images of how particles within the electrodes move and interact. The next step will focus on developing theoretical models to further understand the complex interactions between chemical and mechanical processes in battery electrodes. utexas.edu. NEW ISO STANDARD TESTS THICKNESS OF GRAPHENE The University of Manchester, U.K., recently led the world’s largest study to set a new global benchmark for testing the single-atom thickness of graphene. Working with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), also in the U.K., and 15 other research institutes worldwide, the team developed a reliable method using transmission electron micro- scopy that will support future industrial standards including a new ISO technical specification for graphene. “Electron diffraction has long been used to distinguish monolayer from few layer graphene, but it’s often applied without a full treatment of uncertainties. By collaborating across 15 leading labs including the original pioneers, we’ve mapped the pitfalls and shown Electron diffraction analysis of monolayer graphene. Courtesy of The University of Manchester. how to get reliable results,” says researcher Evan Tillotson of The University of Manchester. The findings are used directly within the ISO/TS 21356-2 international standard, expected to be published later this year. “This work builds on the NPL Good Practice Guide 145 ‘Characterization of the Structure of Graphene’ developed in partnership with The University of Manchester, and one of NPL’s most downloaded guides,” notes Andrew Pollard, principal scientist at NPL. www.manchester.ac.uk. The inaugural FAS Summit on Failure Analysis & Prevention was held in picturesque Oceanside, California, on January 27-29. Organized by ASM International’s Failure Analysis Society, the event attracted 58 attendees from 16 states and Canada. It kicked off with two education courses that were attended by 23 students. The technical program consisted of 15 invited presentations and one panel discussion. Sponsors of this first- time event were Applied Technical Services and Dennies Metallurgical Solutions Inc. A welcome reception on the Rooftop Deck featured coastal views of the Pacific Ocean, curated food and cocktails, and a sunset backdrop. “Discussions were lively and the networking possibilities were endless. The San Diego area could not have been better for a winter summit. Planning for the next FAS Summit is underway.” —Dan Dennies, FAS Summit chair Left: James Lane, Dustin Turnquist, Brett Miller, FASM, and Burak Akyuz, FASM, enjoy networking alongside the Pacific coastline. ASM Vice President Dan Dennies, FASM, teaches a course at the FAS Summit. Attendees, speakers, organizers, and sponsors of the successful, inaugural FAS Summit in Oceanside, California. FAS SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS
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