Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a type of smart material that can temporarily alter their shape, reverting to their original form at certain temperatures. They have innovative applications in aerospace, automotives, robotics, and biomedicine. Nitinol, or nickel-titanium, has been used as an SMA since the 1960s. Copper-based shape memory alloys are emerging as a modern alternative due…
As the world relies less on fossil fuels, another natural resource is filling the void. Copper has many benefits — it’s durable, conductive, ductile, and recyclable. It’s a preferred solution in clean energy applications, including solar energy, wind turbines, and energy storage. By 2040, these types of renewable energy are expected to make up 61% of copper consumption….
Every year, the U.S. Department of Defense spends more than $310 billion to research, develop, test, and produce equipment. As military leaders look to streamline this complex process and cut costs, additive manufacturing with aluminum alloys is one potential solution. Strong, durable, and lightweight, aluminum is ideal for defense applications. Combined with the flexibility and speed…
China plays a pivotal role in the world’s supply chains, and that’s especially true for minor metals such as antimony, lithium, manganese, bismuth, and cobalt. These resources are critical to industrial and technology development and are common materials in electronics, metal alloys, and renewable energy products. Tariffs levied on certain goods or raw materials from…