Scientists Make Glass Regenerate Under Radiation

Scientists Make Glass Regenerate Under Radiation

American scientists from the University of Central Florida have developed a specialized chalcogenide glass that can regenerate under radiation. The study was published in the scientific journal Materials Research Society Bulletin (MRS Bulletin).

Chalcogenide glasses consist of chalcogen elements — sulfur, selenium, and tellurium — alloyed with elements such as germanium or arsenic. They are used to create optical glass materials that are used in sensors or infrared lenses.

The team tested a version of chalcogenide glass made of germanium, antimony, and sulfur for use in space satellites. As experiments showed, under the influence of gamma radiation, microdefects on samples of the material healed at room temperature.

Self-healing glass could be useful in devices or tools that may be exposed to extreme environments where gamma radiation may be prevalent, such as in space or at radioactive sites.

Earlier, China tested its first nuclear reactor with meltdown protection.

Source: www.gazeta.ru