van der Waals

Twisted-layer structure allows bulk boron nitride ceramics to plastically deform

By Lisa McDonald / March 1, 2024

Successful plastic deformation of nitride ceramics has to date been limited to samples on the micro and nanoscale. Now, researchers from Yanshan University in China achieved plastic deformation in a bulk boron nitride ceramic by modifying its layered van der Waals structure.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Faye Oney / November 7, 2018

A solar cell that does double duty for renewable energy, rare earths common in New Zealand, and other materials stories that may be of interest for November 7, 2018.

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Location, location, location: Atomic locales are critical for strong concrete

By April Gocha / February 24, 2015

New research from Rice University shows how simulations can help advance the quest for better concrete, by modeling the atomic interactions within calcium-silicate-hydrate.

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Can your pet help design better materials?

By April Gocha / August 20, 2014

Nature inspires intelligently designed materials—and when it comes to stickiness, gecko toes are the gold standard for the design of better materials. But how does science explain their ability to walk on walls?

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