Scientific and Technological Implications of New Phases
Metallic nanophases - Definitions, processing and properties

Why are we searching for new phases—or, more generally, new materials? Research and development in industry—which may be supported by academic laboratories with a strong foundation in basic science and the resources for measurement, synthesis, and characterization—aims to improve existing products. This is known as incremental research, which is of significant importance not only economically but also in terms of environmental and energy considerations.

This could be contrasted with a disruptive approach, which involves the discovery of new materials. The incremental approach is widely used because it does not require changes to the industrial value chain...