Dynamic creation and evolution of gradient nanostructure in single-crystal metallic microcubes

A shocking transformation for silver Clever processing of metals leads to technologically useful properties such as increased hardness and ductility. Thevamaran et al. fired specially synthesized silver cubes at a hard piece of silica, which produced a shock wave that dramatically changed the microstructure of the silver. The approach produced an extreme range in grain sizes that is useful for creating bendable yet strong metals. Science , this issue p. 312