Phys.org November 17, 2021 An international team of researchers (USA – University of Minnesota, Germany) discovered that the systematic tuning of crystal lattice parameters to achieve improved kinematic compatibility between different phases is a broadly effective strategy for improving the reversibility, and lowering the hysteresis, of solid–solid phase transformations. They showed that when cooling the kinematically compatible ceramic (Zr/Hf)O2(YNb)O4 through its tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation, the polycrystal slowly and steadily falls apart at its grain boundaries or even explosively disintegrates. However, when they tuned the lattice parameters to satisfy a stronger ‘equidistance’ condition, the resulting material exhibits reversible behaviour with low […]
Tag Archives: Shape shifting materials
Shape-shifting carbon fibre could replace mechanical systems for planes and more
Nanowerk May 7, 2020 Researchers in Sweden have developed a material that is manufactured from commercial carbon fibers and a structural battery electrolyte and uses lithium-ion insertion to produce shape changes at low voltages. It is an electrically controlled solid-state morphing composite material that is lightweight and has a stiffness higher than aluminum. It is capable of producing large deformations and holding them with no additional power, albeit at low rates. A proof-of-concept material in a cantilever setup was used to show morphing. Analytical modeling showed good correlation with experimental observations. The concept presented shows considerable promise and paves the […]