materials science

In a landmark study, engineers at North Carolina State University have unveiled a laser-based sintering technique that transforms a liquid polymer precursor directly into hafnium carbide (HfC), an ultra-high-temperature ceramic prized for applications in nuclear reactors, hypersonic vehicles, and spacecraft thermal protection. The process delivers crystalline, phase-pure HfC coatings, tiles, and complex three-dimensional structures in mere seconds or minutes—dramatically reducing the time, energy consumption, and equipment footprint compared to conventional furnace sintering.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Aarhus University have demonstrated that introducing a certain level of disorder into material structures can significantly enhance their toughness. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Nexus, reveal that disordered mechanical metamaterials can be up to 2.6 times more resistant to cracking. This discovery challenges traditional engineering principles, paving the way for stronger, more resilient materials in various industries.