Quasicrystals

Definition

Quasicrystals are a unique type of solid material that exhibit an ordered but non-periodic arrangement of atoms, meaning they lack the repeating patterns found in traditional crystals. This distinct structure leads to fascinating properties such as rotational symmetry that doesn't exist in ordinary crystals and has significant implications for both theoretical and applied science.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quasicrystals were first discovered in 1982 by Dan Shechtman, who observed their unusual symmetry while studying rapidly cooled aluminum-manganese alloys.
2. They display symmetries, such as 5-fold rotational symmetry, which are impossible in traditional periodic crystals, challenging long-held beliefs about crystal structures.
3. Quasicrystals can exhibit superior hardness and resistance to wear compared to traditional crystalline materials, making them valuable in various industrial applications.
4. Research into quasicrystals has opened up new fields in material science, including the development of new materials with tailored properties for specific applications.
5. Their unique atomic arrangements lead to interesting thermal and electrical properties, influencing advancements in thermoelectric materials and coatings.

Review Questions

• How do the unique atomic arrangements in quasicrystals influence their physical properties compared to traditional crystals?
  • The unique atomic arrangements in quasicrystals result in non-periodic structures that give rise to distinct physical properties not found in traditional crystals. For example, their aperiodic order leads to unusual thermal and electrical conductivity characteristics. Additionally, these arrangements enable quasicrystals to possess superior hardness and wear resistance, making them suitable for applications where durability is essential.
• Discuss the significance of Dan Shechtman's discovery of quasicrystals and its impact on the field of materials science.
  • Dan Shechtman's discovery of quasicrystals in 1982 was groundbreaking as it challenged the existing notions about crystallography and the nature of solid materials. His observations led to the realization that materials could have long-range order without periodicity. This fundamentally changed how scientists understand material structures and opened up new avenues for research and applications in materials science, leading to innovative uses of quasicrystals in various industries.
• Evaluate the implications of aperiodic order in quasicrystals for future advancements in material science and technology.
  • The implications of aperiodic order in quasicrystals for future advancements in material science are profound. The unique properties resulting from their non-repeating structures could lead to the development of novel materials with enhanced thermal, mechanical, and electrical performance. As researchers continue to explore these materials, we may see innovations in thermoelectric devices, coatings with exceptional wear resistance, and even applications in nanotechnology, ultimately pushing the boundaries of what's possible in engineering and technology.

Related terms

Aperiodic Order: A type of order in which the pattern does not repeat itself, characteristic of quasicrystals, leading to unique diffraction patterns.

Bragg's Law: A fundamental principle that describes the condition for constructive interference of scattered waves from a crystalline structure, often used in the study of quasicrystals.

Penrose Tiling: A non-periodic tiling pattern that is an example of a two-dimensional aperiodic order and serves as a mathematical model for understanding the structure of quasicrystals.