Building on their work on the first-ever supranano magnesium alloy, a research team led by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has demonstrated how supranano engineering can lead to higher strength and higher ductility in bulk structural materials.
The article from MSN discusses a breakthrough in materials science known as "supranano engineering," which involves manipulating materials at the nanoscale to enhance their mechanical properties. Researchers have developed a method to create a new class of structural materials that exhibit both high strength and exceptional ductility, overcoming the traditional trade-off where materials are either strong or ductile but not both. This advancement was achieved by introducing nanoscale features into metals, which allows for better dislocation movement, thereby improving the material's ability to deform without breaking. This could lead to significant applications in industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction, where materials need to withstand high stress while maintaining flexibility. The research, published in the journal Nature, suggests that these supranano-engineered materials could revolutionize how we design and use structural components, potentially leading to lighter, safer, and more durable products.