Today we will discuss the mechanical applications of nanomaterials.
1.) Tougher and Harder Cutting Tools. a) Cutting tools made of nanomaterials, such as tungsten carbide, tatalum carbide, and titanium carbide, are much harder, much more wear-resistant, erosion-resistant, and last longer than their conventional (large grained) counterparts.
b) For the miniaturization of microelectronics circuits, the industry needs micro drills (drill bits with diameter less than the thickness of an average human hair or 100 um) with enhanced edge retention and far better wear resistance. As nano-crystalline carbides are much stronger, harder, and wear-resistant, they are currently being used in these micro drills. Continue reading “Mechanical Applications of nanomaterials”