Sound waves are being used to alter the physical and chemical properties of materials in a new science being developed at Coventry University (UK). The Centre for Sonochemistry is developing methods of using high power ultrasonic waves to pull the molecules of the material apart and then squash them together. Materials scientists can use these disturbances to 'stir' the molecules of a solid or liquid material in order to cause chemical reactions, mix materials together to create, for example, tiny coated particles, or shake out any imperfections in the materials.
As the molecules are manipulated by the sound wave, tiny cavities are formed and destroyed inside the material that release high levels of energy when they implode, causing chemical or physical reactions to occur. Sonochemistry is already proving a useful tool and is being applied commercially in the former Soviet Union in the casting process and in the UK to thoroughly clean the surfaces of glassware and medical instruments.
Another potential application is to use ultrasound to cure dental fillings, resulting in a stronger bond between the filling and the tooth. The process also has the potential for use in producing nano-sized particles that can be used in developing the building blocks of nanotechnology. Sonochemistry is proving to be a useful tool for producing metalised plastics that can be used in circuit boards and is set to transform the dyeing and tanning processes used in the leather industry. World wide interest in the field is growing rapidly and the development of the process is "set to revolutionise materials science", according to Professor Timothy Mason from the Centre for Sonochemistry.
PLEASE MENTION MATERIALS WORLD AS THE SOURCE OF THIS ITEM
Notes For Editors
1. This article is due to appear in the February edition of the Materials World (Volume 7, Number 2, Page 69).
2. Materials World is the journal of The Institute of Materials, the professional organisation of materials scientists and engineers working throughout the world in areas involving the use and application of plastics, rubber, steel, metals and ceramics. www.materials.org.uk