Title: Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Unveil Hidden Phase Transition in Supercooled Liquids
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has made a groundbreaking discovery, shedding light on the elusive phase transition in supercooled liquids. The findings have potential implications for the development of a wide range of amorphous materials, including medical devices, drug delivery systems, and additive manufacturing.
The study, conducted by a team of scientists at the lab, focused on commonplace materials such as plastics and glass. These materials, while in a supercooled liquid state, showcase an extraordinarily slow flow, persisting even at low temperatures. The researchers aimed to comprehend the underlying mechanisms that cause these materials to become rigid at a specific temperature, known as the onset temperature.
Utilizing a combination of theory, computer simulations, and previous experimental data, the team uncovered that at the onset temperature, the molecules within the supercooled liquid undergo a sudden transition. During this transition, the viscosity of the liquid becomes so high that its movement resembles that of a solid substance.
By treating localized particle movements, also referred to as excitations, within the supercooled liquid as defects in a crystalline solid, the researchers proposed that the unbinding of these defects at the onset temperature leads to the loss of rigidity in the liquid. This groundbreaking insight could pave the way for the development of new amorphous materials with tailored properties.
The implications of this study extend far beyond the confines of the research lab. The findings could revolutionize industries reliant on amorphous materials, including medical devices, drug delivery systems, and additive manufacturing. The ability to engineer materials with specific structural properties could enhance the performance and functionality of these industries’ products.
Looking ahead, the team at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory plans to expand their model, venturing into three-dimensional systems. By doing so, they hope to delve deeper into understanding how localized motions ultimately lead to the relaxation of the entire liquid.
Overall, this research has unlocked valuable insights into the behavior of supercooled liquids and their glassy dynamics at a microscopic level. With a clearer understanding of these mechanisms, industries and applications across the board can potentially benefit from the development of novel materials with enhanced properties, fulfilling the increasingly complex demands of today’s society.
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