Date: Mar 02, 2014 Source: Bloomberg (
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Xtalic plans to debut a new metal alloy toward the end of this 2014 that aims to serve as a lower-cost replacement for gold in electronics, including mobile devices. The firm's nanotechnology, initially born at MIT, involves altering the crystal structure of metals to allow for special properties. The initial Xtalic material — made from nickel — is already used by 17 of the 20 large electronics companies internationally, Clay said. The companies place a shield made from the material underneath gold in their connectors, which allows them to reduce their gold needs in connectors by two-thirds. Xtalic is now gearing up to start shipping a full-fledged gold replacement, likely in the fourth quarter of the year. The material, named Luna, will be made from a new metal alloy (which isn't being disclosed right now). It will be used in both power cords and electronic devices.
