by Researchers at Delft University of Technology have made a groundbreaking discovery in material science with the creation of amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC). Led by assistant professor Richard Norte, the team has found that this material, with its exceptional strength and mechanical properties, is ideal for vibration isolation on microchips and can be used to make ultra-sensitive microchip sensors.
The potential applications for amorphous silicon carbide are far-reaching. It can be used in ultra-sensitive microchip sensors, advanced solar cells, space exploration, and DNA sequencing technologies. Its strength and scalability make it a highly promising material.
Amorphous materials, unlike crystalline materials like diamonds, have atoms arranged in a random pattern. However, this randomness does not result in fragility. In fact, amorphous silicon carbide is incredibly strong, with a tensile strength of 10 GigaPascal (GPa). To put this in perspective, it would take the weight of approximately ten medium-sized cars hanging from a strip of duct tape before it breaks.
To test the tensile strength of the material, the researchers used an innovative method utilizing microchip technology. They grew films of amorphous silicon carbide on a silicon substrate and suspended them, leveraging the nanostrings’ geometry to induce high tensile forces. This approach not only ensures precision but also opens up possibilities for future material testing.
The scalability of amorphous silicon carbide further sets it apart. While other strong materials, such as graphene and diamonds, are challenging to produce in large quantities, amorphous silicon carbide can be manufactured at wafer scales. This means that large sheets of this incredibly robust material can be obtained.
This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the field of material science and open up new avenues of research and development. The unique properties of amorphous silicon carbide make it a versatile and highly sought-after material, with countless applications in various industries. With further research and investment, we may soon see breakthroughs in microchip sensors, solar technology, space exploration, and DNA sequencing, thanks to the strength and scalability of amorphous silicon carbide.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
