Making Metal From Cement?
We all remember the alchemists of old, trying to turn one element into another, trying to get gold out of urine. Recently, new research has allowed scientists to describe the process of turning liquid cement into liquid metal. It has been known for some time that concrete that which is usually a very good insulator of electricity, can be turned into a conductor through doping some of its constituents with electrons and heating them. This fascinating substance has large potential in such areas as liquid-crystal displays and thin-film resistors.
The study was focused on the component of cement, mayenite, which is made of calcium and aluminium oxides. Heating it to ~2,000 degrees Celsius while using an aerodynamic levitator, scientists were able keep the liquid from touching any surfaces and forming crystals. In doing so they were able to let the liquid cool and form into a metallic glass which has trapped electrons. These electrons act much like the ocean of free electrons in metals allowing it to conduct electricity.
In order to uncover the step-by-step process the scientists used a variety of techniques to probe the structure and composition of the substance with the help of a supercomputer. Techniques used include x-ray analysis, intense pulsed neutron source, and advanced photon source.
The research over all has lead to and shown a unique and fascinating way to make materials which have many good attributes such as increased resistance to corrosion, decreased brittleness, conductivity, low energy loss in magnetic fields and ease of processing and molding.
Making Metal From Cement?
We all remember the alchemists of old, trying to turn one element into another, trying to get gold out of urine. Recently, new research has allowed scientists to describe the process of turning liquid cement into liquid metal. It has been known for some time that concrete that which is usually a very good insulator of electricity, can be turned into a conductor through doping some of its constituents with electrons and heating them. This fascinating substance has large potential in such areas as liquid-crystal displays and thin-film resistors.
The study was focused on the component of cement, mayenite, which is made of calcium and aluminium oxides. Heating it to ~2,000 degrees Celsius while using an aerodynamic levitator, scientists were able keep the liquid from touching any surfaces and forming crystals. In doing so they were able to let the liquid cool and form into a metallic glass which has trapped electrons. These electrons act much like the ocean of free electrons in metals allowing it to conduct electricity.
In order to uncover the step-by-step process the scientists used a variety of techniques to probe the structure and composition of the substance with the help of a supercomputer. Techniques used include x-ray analysis, intense pulsed neutron source, and advanced photon source.
The research over all has lead to and shown a unique and fascinating way to make materials which have many good attributes such as increased resistance to corrosion, decreased brittleness, conductivity, low energy loss in magnetic fields and ease of processing and molding.
Around the world, a new generation of astronomers are hunting for the most mysterious objects in the universe. Young stars, black holes, even other forms of life. They have created a dazzling new set of super-telescopes that promise to rewrite the story of the heavens.
This film follows the men and women who are pushing the limits of science and engineering in some of the most extreme environments on earth. But most strikingly of all, no-one really knows what they will find out there.
