Scientists at Tokyo Tohoku University have made an important discovery that could lead to the creation of glass that is indestructible. The research, published in the journal Acta Materialia, explains how atoms in glass can “relax” internal stress and thus increase its strength.
Glass, despite its strength, is prone to breaking under strong pressure, but as scientists have shown, the movement of atoms within the material helps it withstand greater pressure. When atoms in glass “jump” into adjacent voids, this reduces internal stress and makes the glass more resistant to cracks.
Using modern synchrotron radiation techniques and computer simulations, scientists were able to observe the behavior of atoms in glass at the micro- and nanoscale. It turned out that atomic “jumps” and the movements of other atoms in glass can significantly reduce the risk of its destruction.
This discovery has major implications for industries such as consumer electronics, construction and automotive, where impact-resistant materials are needed. Scientists plan to continue research to find out whether such mechanisms work in other types of glass, and to develop universal recommendations for creating stronger materials.