Technologies of the future: super-strong gold
People noticed the stunning beauty of gold a long time ago. However, in the modern world, it is valued not only for its image but also for its rare chemical and physical properties.
Firstly, this metal is incredibly malleable: just one gram of it can be stretched into a thin wire over a kilometer long or rolled into foil so thin that it becomes translucent. Secondly, gold is an excellent conductor of electricity. Thirdly, it does not dissolve in most acids.
Therefore, gold is used in the production of electronic components for computers and mobile phones, electrical connectors and controllers in the automotive industry. In the chemical industry, the precious metal is used to protect equipment from harsh external environments.
However, despite its undeniable advantages, pure gold is very soft. The reason for this lies in the structure of the precious metal, which contains tiny holes that make it less durable. Ancient craftsmen sought to eliminate these holes during gold processing.
Recently, however, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences applied an innovative approach to gold processing. Instead of eliminating the holes, the scientists decided to group them. The experiment showed that holes may not reduce but, on the contrary, increase the strength and malleability of the metal. To achieve this effect, the pores must be microscopic, less than 100 nanometers, and evenly distributed.
Scientists managed to achieve the required structure using a special processing method, which includes compression and annealing. During annealing, gold is heated to a certain temperature, the temperature is maintained for some time, followed by a slow cooling. Chinese scientists emphasize that the method they invented is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly: it allows the use of pure gold, without impurities, which simplifies recycling.
The malleability of gold after such processing does not decrease, meaning that one gram of gold can still be stretched into a wire over a kilometer long. However, twice the force is required to break this wire. In other words, this invention makes gold twice as strong!
The discovered technology will be of great importance for industries where the demand for gold is traditionally high, such as the aerospace industry and microelectronics.
If you are interested in learning more about the role gold currently plays in microelectronics and the development of artificial intelligence, then read our article: Gold and artificial intelligence.
