Scientists have successfully synthesized a rare tetratenite alloy that exhibits magnetic characteristics similar to those of rare-earth metals. The Department of Materials at the University of Cambridge achieved this breakthrough, paving the way for the potential use of tetratenite in the development of powerful magnets for electronic devices, according to popularmechanics.com.
In order to create this alloy, researchers utilized common materials such as nickel and iron, subjecting them to higher than usual melting temperatures. Subsequently, the researchers employed the “Existential stress” technique during the cooling process to obtain specific tetragonal structures.
Tetratenite was initially discovered in a meteorite that fell in the southern region of France. The unique extraterrestrial sample, found in Saint-Saved, contained tetratenite particles with approximately 40 micrometer sizes, comparable to the thickness of a human hair.
Currently, tetratenite can only be synthesized in laboratory settings. However, if this alloy can be produced on an industrial scale, it has the potential to revolutionize electronic manufacturing, ranging from devices like the iPhone to military aircraft.
The name tetratenite stems from its tetragonal structure and its composition of nickel and iron. This alloy exhibits properties similar to rare-earth metals, which are essential for the creation of magnets used in devices, electric vehicles, military equipment, and renewable energy systems.
While tetratenite is not the exclusive material with such properties, the primary challenge associated with rare-earth materials is their limited availability and high production costs. As China controls most of these resources, many countries are reliant on it in the field of electronics.