Some Issues in Liquid Metals Research

摘要: The ten articles [1–10] included in this Special Issue on “Liquid Metals” do not intend to comprehensively cover extensive field, but, rather, highlight recent discoveries that have greatly broadened the scope of technological applications these materials. Improvements understanding physics liquid metals are, a large extent, due powerful theoretical tools hands scientists, either semi-empirical [1,5,6] or ab initio (molecular dynamics, see [7]). Surface tension and wetting at metal/ceramic interfaces is an everlasting field fundamental research with important implications. review [2] broad enough, as work carried out Grenoble covers almost all interesting matters field. Some issues interest geophysics astrophysics are discussed [3]. recently discovered liquid–liquid transition several dealt [4]. fifth contribution [5] discusses role icosahedral superclusters crystallization. In [6], thermodynamic calculations identify regions ternary phase diagram Al-Cu-Y, where formation amorphous alloys most probable. Experimental data presented [7] show optimal microstructure obtained if Mg added Al-Si melt before than modifier AlP alloy. Shock-induced melting by means laser driven compression [8]. With respect discoveries, one outstanding developments gallium room temperature [9], that, oxide layer readily their surface, maintain some “stiffness”. This has opened possibility 3D printing metals. last article [10] describes nano-liquid metals, suspension metal its alloy containing nanometer-sized particles. A room-temperature were first introduced area cooling high heat flux devices, which now commercial reality. However, only chip cooling, can also be extended waste recovery, kinetic energy harvesting, thermal interface material, etc. mainly properties such low point, electrical conductivity, well other additional physical chemical properties. These summarized more detail hereafter [...]