By: April Carson
A collaborative team from Sandia National Laboratories and Texas A&M University conducted resilience testing on a metal. Employing a specialized transmission electron microscope technique, they subjected the metal to 200 end-pulling cycles per second. Subsequently, they observed the remarkable self-healing properties at ultra-small scales within a 40-nanometer-thick platinum sample suspended in a vacuum.
The research team exposed the metal sample to exceedingly large strain rates and temperatures, conditions not observed before in studies of self-healing metals. The platinum sample was able to heal itself due to a nanoparticle-filled resin within its structure that underwent an ultrarapid transformation upon application of the stressors.
Cracks resulting from the aforementioned strain are referred to as fatigue damage: the accumulation of microscopic fractures caused by repeated stress and motion, ultimately leading to the failure of machines or structures. Remarkably, after approximately 40 minutes of observation, the crack in the platinum began to rejoin and repair itself before resuming its propagation in a new path.
According to materials scientist Brad Boyce from Sandia National Laboratories, witnessing this event firsthand was truly breathtaking. He expressed surprise, as it was not something they were actively seeking. "It was quite unexpected, and we had to take a step back and rethink our experimental data," he said.
These conditions are precise, yet the mechanisms and applications remain unknown. However, when considering the expenses and labor involved in repairing diverse structures like bridges, engines, and even phones, the potential impact of self-healing metals becomes immeasurable.
Although the observation is remarkable, it is not entirely surprising. Back in 2013, Michael Demkowicz, a materials scientist from Texas A&M University, conducted a study that foresaw the possibility of nano crack healing. This phenomenon occurs when the boundaries of the tiny crystalline grains within metals shift in response to stress. The implications of such a discovery are profound, showcasing the potential for advancements in materials science.
Demkowicz was also involved in this recent study, utilizing advanced computer models to demonstrate the alignment between his decade-old theories on metal's self-healing capabilities at the nanoscale and the observed phenomena in this case. "This work was a great opportunity to examine the boundaries between theory-based predictions and actual experimental observations," he said.
As of now, there is still much to learn about the mechanisms and applications of self-healing metals. However, this recent breakthrough has opened up a world of possibilities for materials science and engineering in the future. Researchers are excited to apply their newfound knowledge toward advancing structural stability and resilience across various industries.
Another promising aspect of the research is that the automatic mending process occurred at room temperature. Typically, metal requires high temperatures to change its shape, but this experiment was conducted in a vacuum. The question remains whether the same process can occur in conventional metals under normal environmental conditions.
The research team is now seeking to uncover the actual mechanisms that enable such self-healing capabilities in metals, as well as how these findings can be harnessed in practical applications. This could ultimately lead to more reliable and efficient designs for structures and machines in a variety of industries, from aerospace engineering to automotive manufacturing.
One possible explanation revolves around a phenomenon called cold welding. This occurs when metal surfaces come into proximity at ambient temperatures, causing their atoms to intertwine. Usually, thin layers of air or contaminants hinder this process. However, in environments like the vacuum of space, pure metals can be brought together closely enough to adhere to each other.
Demkowicz states that this discovery should serve as an inspiration for materials researchers to explore the untapped potential of materials under specific conditions. It is a reminder that materials can exceed our expectations and accomplish remarkable feats. "We don't always have to look for new materials," he said. "We can also find new uses for existing ones."
Furthermore, the researchers believe that this discovery could open up a wide range of possibilities in robotics and space exploration technology, as self-healing metals would enable machines to repair themselves even in the most extreme conditions. As such, understanding the science behind this phenomenon is essential to be able to tap into its potential.
The findings have been published in the prestigious scientific journal, Nature. The research team is now focusing on the next step: understanding how these effects arise and how to control them to apply them in real-world engineering.
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April Carson is the daughter of Billy Carson. She received her bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from Jacksonville University, where she was also on the Women's Basketball team. She now has a successful clothing company that specializes in organic baby clothes and other items. Take a look at their most popular fall fashions on bossbabymav.com
To read more of April's blogs, check out her website! She publishes new blogs on a daily basis, including the most helpful mommy advice and baby care tips! Follow on IG @bossbabymav
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