More Than Just Metals and Polymers
When over 3,200 scientists, engineers, and innovators descended upon the Greater Columbus Convention Center in October 2018, they carried with them breakthroughs poised to redefine our physical world. The Materials Science & Technology Conference (MS&T18) wasn't merely another academic gathering—it was a convergence of disciplines aiming to solve humanity's greatest challenges. From nanoscale biomaterials healing bones to alloys printed for spacecraft, this event showcased how matter itself is being re-engineered for a better future 5 4 .
Organized by six leading societies—including The American Ceramic Society (ACerS), ASM International, and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS)—MS&T18 transformed Columbus into a global epicenter of materials innovation. Attendees explored over 92 exhibition booths while thousands of technical presentations revealed how atomic structures could unlock cleaner energy, faster tech, and longer lives 5 4 .
Conference Stats
- Attendees 3,200+
- Exhibitors 92
- Presentations 1,000+
- Organizing Societies 6
The Vanguard of Materials Innovation
Additive Manufacturing: Beyond Prototyping
The symposium Additive Manufacturing of Metals: Post Processing emerged as a focal point, highlighting how 3D-printed metals could transition from labs to critical industries. Agustin Diaz (REM Surface Engineering) presented groundbreaking work on "Surface Texture Anatomy Of Additive Manufacturing Components," revealing how targeted post-processing could achieve near-perfect surface finishes. His team's data proved that hybrid laser-ultrasonic treatments reduced roughness by up to 80%, enabling printed turbine blades to withstand extreme temperatures 1 .
Biomaterials that Regenerate Humanity
In a riveting plenary session, Dr. Cato T. Laurencin (University of Connecticut) unveiled "Regenerative Engineering"—a fusion of materials science, stem cell biology, and nanotechnology. His electrospun nanofiber matrices, derived from a patient's own fat cells, demonstrated 90% success rates in rotator cuff repairs (versus 30–40% conventionally). This approach could transform treatment for 2.4 million annual burn victims and revolutionize organ regeneration 5 .
The Ultrasonic Revolution in Joining
Ohio State University's Smart Materials and Structures Laboratory showcased ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) for aerospace and automotive applications. By embedding carbon fibers into aluminum matrices using high-frequency vibrations, their method created joints 50% lighter and 30% stronger than traditional welds. This innovation promised lighter electric vehicles and longer-lasting aircraft 6 .
In-Depth Look: The Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing Breakthrough
The Experiment: Multi-Material Integration for Automotive Structures
Led by researchers H. Guo and Y. Rong, this study addressed a critical industry challenge: joining dissimilar materials (e.g., carbon fiber and steel) without adhesives or bolts. The team hypothesized that UAM could mechanically "stitch" materials via localized plastic flow 6 .
Methodology: Step by Step
Material Preparation
- Aluminum 6061 blanks (2 mm thickness)
- Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets
- Titanium foil (0.1 mm) as an interlayer
UAM Process
- An ultrasonic horn (20 kHz frequency, 3 kW power) applied pulses for 0.5–2 seconds.
- Under 15 MPa pressure, vibrations generated heat (200–300°C), softening the aluminum.
- Carbon fibers were pressed into the semi-solid metal, creating a fiber-metal composite.
Testing
- Shear strength measured via tensile tests.
- Microstructure analyzed using electron microscopy.
| Parameter | Value Range | Effect on Joint Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasonic Frequency | 20–40 kHz | Higher = finer grain structure |
| Welding Pressure | 10–20 MPa | Lower = incomplete bonding |
| Pulse Duration | 0.5–2.0 s | Longer = deeper fiber penetration |
Results and Analysis
The UAM joints achieved 152 MPa shear strength—surpassing epoxy-based joints by 40%. Microscopy revealed carbon fibers embedded 50–100 µm into the aluminum, with no voids or cracks. This proved UAM's ability to create load-bearing multi-material structures without adhesives, a milestone for sustainable vehicle design 6 .
| Method | Shear Strength (MPa) | Weight Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| UAM Joint | 152 | 0% |
| Epoxy Adhesive | 109 | +15% |
| Mechanical Bolts | 98 | +30% |
Key Finding
UAM created joints that were both stronger and lighter than conventional methods, making it ideal for automotive and aerospace applications where weight reduction is critical.
The Scientist's Toolkit: Research Reagents & Solutions
Key materials and tools driving MS&T18 innovations:
| Reagent/Tool | Function | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| Electrospun Nanofibers | Scaffold for tissue regeneration | Burn repair matrices 5 |
| Galfenol Alloys | Magnetostrictive sensors & actuators | Energy harvesters 6 |
| Carbon Fiber Preforms | Reinforcement in composites | UAM automotive joints 6 |
| Ultrasonic Horns | Energy transfer in UAM | Dissimilar material joining 6 |
| High-Entropy Alloys | Extreme-environment stability | Nuclear reactor coatings 3 |
The Human Element: Where Science Meets Society
The ACerS Awards Banquet
Honored leaders like Executive Director Charlie Spahr, retiring after transformative years 5 .
Student Competitions
Saw UConn undergraduates presenting on ceramic matrix composites, reflecting the conference's role in nurturing talent .
Industry-Academia Dialogues
Emphasized the "triple helix" of government, industry, and academia collaborating to scale innovations 5 .
The Legacy
MS&T18 proved that materials science is the invisible hand shaping progress. From Agustin Diaz's surface-engineered metals to Laurencin's life-saving scaffolds, the breakthroughs unveiled here are already echoing in labs from Porto to Dresden (hosts of future MS&T events) 2 5 . As Professor Sylvia Johnson (incoming ACerS President) noted, the conference's true impact lies in making "membership in the Society a rewarding experience for all"—a testament to its role in forging not just materials, but the future itself 5 .