Work

Breaking the strength limit: Negative-excess-energy interfaces push Ni alloys toward theoretical strength

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The pursuit of metallic materials approaching their theoretical strength has long been hindered by interface instability at the nanoscale. A recent study by Li et al., writing in Science , reveals that introducing coherent interfaces with negative excess energy in Ni–Mo alloys enables sustained strengthening down to sub-nanometer scales. These energetically favorable interfaces achieve near-theoretical strength (∼5 GPa), marking a new paradigm in atomic-scale interface engineering for ultrahigh-performance metals.

Source: Fundamental Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2026.02.003

Authors: Fenghui Duan, Zhen Yu, Hanzheng Xing, Jian Lu

Institutions: City University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Microstructure and mechanical properties

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Key Research and Development Program of China, Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Program

Awards: G2193060545, G3653706570, G5344446771