In a groundbreaking development that could reshape the landscape of advanced materials, researchers have discovered a method to reverse aging in metallic glasses (MGs), significantly enhancing their plasticity. This innovation, led by Jianyu Chen from the State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration at Shenzhen University, opens new avenues for the energy sector and beyond.
Metallic glasses, known for their unique amorphous structure, have long been plagued by aging-induced property degradation. This aging process limits their applications, particularly in high-stress environments like energy infrastructure. However, Chen and his team have found that ultrasonic vibration (UV) treatment can reverse this aging effect in a matter of seconds.
“Ultrasonic vibration treatment can reverse aging in a Zr-based metallic glass within just 0.5 seconds,” Chen explained. “This treatment achieves a plasticity of up to 14.5%, which is 1.5 times that of the as-cast metallic glass.”
The team’s research, published in the journal *Materials Futures* (translated to English as “Materials of the Future”), reveals that UV treatment induces a higher-energy state in the material. This state is characterized by structural enthalpy recovery, boson peak restoration, and a more disordered structure, as evidenced by pair distribution functions. The higher-energy state can be explained through the framework of ‘anti-free volume defects’ with a high atomic packing density.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this research is the proposed ‘aging-assisted UV loading’ method. By pre-aging the metallic glass, the material becomes more stable, allowing subsequent UV treatment to amplify its plasticity. This strategy achieves exceptional plasticity improvement, demonstrating that controlled aging can paradoxically enhance material properties.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Metallic glasses with enhanced plasticity could lead to more durable and efficient components in energy infrastructure, from pipelines to power generation equipment. The ability to reverse aging and improve material properties on demand could extend the lifespan of critical components, reducing maintenance costs and improving overall system reliability.
“This research not only addresses a long-standing challenge in the field of metallic glasses but also opens up new possibilities for their application in high-stress environments,” Chen added.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for advanced materials that can withstand extreme conditions grows ever greater. This research by Chen and his team represents a significant step forward in meeting that demand, paving the way for more resilient and efficient energy infrastructure.
The discovery also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research, combining materials science, physics, and engineering to tackle complex challenges. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible, researchers like Chen are shaping the future of materials science and technology.
In the coming years, we can expect to see further developments in this field, as scientists build upon these findings to create even more advanced materials. The potential applications are vast, from energy storage to aerospace, and the impact on various industries could be transformative.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions, innovations like this one are more important than ever. By enhancing the properties of metallic glasses, we can create more efficient and durable materials that will help us build a more sustainable future.