BALTIMORE, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've discovered that under certain conditions, newly developed nanocrystalline materials exhibit surprising activity.
The finding by Johns Hopkins University researchers focused on the tiny spaces between the geometric clusters of atoms called nanocrystals from which they are made.
The scientists said their finding is important because the nanomaterials are becoming more ubiquitous in the fabrication of microdevices and integrated circuits. The researchers said any movement in the atomic realm can affect the mechanical properties of the futuristic materials -- making them more flexible and less brittle -- and might alter the material's lifespan.
"As we make smaller and smaller devices, we've been using more nanocrystalline materials that have much smaller crystallites -- what materials scientists call grains -- and are believed to be much stronger," said Professor Kevin Hemker, who led the study. "But we have to understand more about how these new types of metal and ceramic components behave, compared to traditional materials. How do we predict their reliability? How might these materials deform when they are subjected to stress?"
The complex study that included Tim Rupert, Daniel Gianola and Y. Gan was presented in a recent issue of the journal Science.
