How to prevent metal embrittlement
Analysis shows certain crystal boundaries can enhance, or reduce, hydrogen’s damaging effects.
Department
Materials Science and Engineering
New faculty in engineering
Twelve new faces join six academic departments in the School of Engineering.
New way to model sickle cell behavior
Microfluidic device allows researchers to predict behavior of patients’ blood cells.
New fibers can deliver many simultaneous stimuli
Implanted into the brain or spinal column, they can transmit drugs, light, and electrical signals.
Spin designers
Caroline Ross and Geoffrey Beach are studying how the “spin” of electrons on nanomagnets could be manipulated to create faster, more energy-efficient computers.
Potash: Historical pathways to development
Diversity of sources and sustainable production methods are needed to meet world potassium fertilizer demand.
A renaissance in metals
Materials Day Symposium highlights breakthroughs in simulation methods, manufacturing techniques, and improved alloys.
Alloying tougher tungsten
MIT graduate student Zack Cordero deforms and compacts chromium-tungsten powders to create stronger metals with nanoscale microstructure.
Building on strength
Xtalic focuses on gold substitute, aluminum products following success with connector coatings.
Controlling a material with voltage
Technique could let a small electrical signal change materials’ electrical, thermal, and optical characteristics.
Bose grants reward risk
Five innovative, high-risk projects launch with support from Prof. Amar G. Bose Research Grants.
Striking the cord: Optical control of motor functions
Grad student Chi Lu and colleagues demonstrate a highly flexible polymer probe for triggering spinal-cord neurons with light and simultaneously recording their activity.
Nanoscale work yields big results
Silvija Gradečak’s nanoscale work creates big-scale results that could transform energy production, storage, and lighting.
Faculty highlight: Christopher Schuh
Metallurgist pushes grain boundaries: Nanostructured metal alloys deliver tougher materials, lower costs, and safer outcomes.