News Releases

Tough magnet tech scores an R&D100 award for Critical Materials Institute at Ames Laboratory

A tougher, less brittle samarium-cobalt magnet produced by researchers at the Critical Materials Institute has won a 2021 R&D 100 award.

Two CMI technologies named R&D100 Award finalists

The finalists were announced by R&D Magazine and are presented annually to the top 100 scientific innovations as selected by an independent panel.

Making it tougher: Samarium cobalt magnet improvements planned in Ames Lab partnership

Ames Laboratory will partner with Electron Energy Corporation to improve a mainstay of magnet technology-- the samarium cobalt magnet.

Scientists look to meteorites for inspiration to achieve critical element-free permanent magnet

The product rivals widely used “Alnico” magnets in magnetic strength, and has potential to fill a strong market demand for rare-earth- and cobalt-free magnets.

A first-of-its-kind catalyst mimics natural processes to break down plastic and produce valuable new products

The new catalyst is able to process polymers widely used in things like plastic grocery bags, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, toys, and food containers.

Critical Materials Institute names four projects to support innovation in the nation’s critical materials supply chain

Projects will address challenges in establishing domestic supply chains for critical materials

Lograsso named Critical Materials Institute Director

Thomas Lograsso has been named director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Critical Materials Institute (CMI) at Ames Laboratory. He currently serves as the interim director, and his appointment to the permanent position will be effective immediately.

Rare-earths experts at CMI debut a unique new research capability

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Critical Materials Institute have a new and more accurate tool—a start-to-finish, controlled atmosphere materials processing system.

Controlled Atmospheric Materials Processing System

CMI to feature award-winning aluminum alloy for additive manufacturing at Defense TechConnect

A new Al-Ce additive manufacturing alloy invented by the Critical Materials Institute, an Energy Innovation Hub sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, will be featured at the Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit and Expo Oct. 8-10, National Harbor, Maryland.

Scientists discover potential path to improving samarium-cobalt magnets

Scientists from the Critical Materials Institute and Ames Laboratory have discovered a potential tool to enhance magnetization and magnetic anisotropy, making it possible to improve the performance of samarium-cobalt magnets.