24/7 Space News
TECH SPACE
Irvine team reveal atomic-scale grain rotation mechanism in polycrystalline materials
illustration only
Irvine team reveal atomic-scale grain rotation mechanism in polycrystalline materials
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 09, 2024

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, alongside international collaborators, have made a groundbreaking discovery by capturing atomic-level observations of grain rotation in polycrystalline materials. These materials, integral to industries like electronics, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing, have been the subject of extensive study due to their unique properties and structural behavior.

Utilizing cutting-edge microscopy technology at UC Irvine's Materials Research Institute, the research team heated platinum nanocrystalline thin films to observe grain rotation mechanisms in unparalleled detail. The results, recently published in 'Science', mark a major step in understanding the atomic processes within these materials.

The researchers employed advanced four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) and high-angle annular dark-field STEM to capture real-time atomic activities. They developed a machine learning algorithm to analyze the vast datasets produced by these tools, allowing them to focus on the role of disconnections at grain boundaries, critical points where imperfections occur.

"Scientists have speculated and theorized on phenomena occurring at the boundaries of crystalline grains for decades, but now - through the use of the most advanced instruments available to the scientific community - we have been able to transition from theory to observation," said lead author Xiaoqing Pan, UC Irvine Distinguished Professor of materials science and engineering and director of the UC Irvine Materials Research Institute.

Grain boundaries, where individual crystal grains meet, are known to affect material conductivity and efficiency. The team discovered that grain rotation occurs through the propagation of disconnections-defects that combine both step and dislocation features-along these boundaries. This provides new insights into the evolution of nanocrystalline materials.

The study also revealed, for the first time, a statistical correlation between grain rotation and grain growth or shrinkage. This relationship, driven by disconnection motion, was confirmed through real-time STEM observations and atomistic simulations. This breakthrough sheds light on how grain boundaries evolve, offering deeper insights into the behavior of polycrystalline materials.

"Our results provide unequivocal, quantitative, and predictive evidence of the mechanism by which grains rotate in polycrystals on an atomic scale," said Pan. "Understanding how disconnections control grain rotation and grain boundary migration processes can lead to new strategies for optimizing the microstructures of these materials. This knowledge is invaluable for advancing technologies in various industries, including electronics, aerospace, and automotive sectors."

The findings from this research offer potential avenues for enhancing the durability and efficiency of polycrystalline materials, which are key to the future of electronics, energy systems, and more.

Research Report:Grain rotation mechanisms in nanocrystalline materials: Multiscale observations in Pt thin films

Related Links
UC Irvine Materials Research Institute
Space Technology News - Applications and Research

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
TECH SPACE
NASA holds Stakeholder Workshops to chart LEO microgravity strategies
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 27, 2024
NASA recently hosted two international workshops in London and Washington, D.C. on September 6 and 13, gathering input from global stakeholders. The sessions focused on refining NASA's low Earth orbit (LEO) microgravity strategy, seeking feedback from international partners, U.S. industry, and academia. In late August, NASA introduced a draft with 42 objectives, covering six key areas: science, exploration-enabling research, technology development, commercial LEO infrastructure, operations, intern ... read more

TECH SPACE
Rutgers awarded $607,000 USDA grant to pioneer electroponics technology

SpaceX Crew Dragon that will take Starliner astronauts home docks at ISS

SpaceX launches mission to return stranded astronauts

ISS Crew-9 will conduct research into genetics, cardiac health, and space farming

TECH SPACE
Leicester Spinout Perpetual Atomics to Pioneer Space Nuclear Power Solutions

Vulcan rocket awaits Florida launch for certification test

Crew-9 Successfully Launched, Now En Route to ISS

Veteran Ventures Capital invests in Agile Space Industries

TECH SPACE
Crew completes simulated Mars Mission at JSC

Mars' missing atmosphere could be hiding in plain sight

Martian rocks shed light on planet's ancient climate

A Striped Surprise

TECH SPACE
Xi emphasizes China's drive to lead in space exploration

China launches Yaogan 43B remote-sensing satellites from Xichang

Shenzhou-18 Crew Tests Fire Alarms and Conducts Medical Procedures in Space

Astronauts on Tiangong Space Station Complete Fire Safety Drill

TECH SPACE
BlackSky prices $40M Public Offering of Common Stock

Vodafone and Intelsat Expand Satellite Connectivity for Remote Areas and Emergency Response

Sidus strengthens LizzieSat operations with Neuraspace partnership

Iridium approves $500M stock buyback, total program reaches $1.5B

TECH SPACE
New 3D printing technique creates unique objects quickly and with less waste

Research explores machine learning to design custom composite materials

Irvine team reveal atomic-scale grain rotation mechanism in polycrystalline materials

Space-made aluminium weld analyzed at ESA lab

TECH SPACE
Exoplanet map reveals Neptunian Ridge separating planetary regions

This rocky planet around a white dwarf resembles Earth - 8 billion years from now

Astronomers catch a glimpse of a uniquely inflated and asymmetric exoplanet

Lab Findings Suggest Some Indicators of Life on Exoplanets May Be Misleading

TECH SPACE
Technicians prep Europa Clipper for propellant loading

Volcanoes may help reveal interior heat on Jupiter moon

JunoCam identifies new volcanic feature on Io

Mystery of Trans-Neptunian Orbits Solved by Stellar Flyby

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.