A perfect crystal of pure iron, stronger than any known metal or alloy, is studied under the microscope by Dr. Robert L. Fullman, metallurgist in the General Electric Research Laboratory here. These crystals are metallic whiskers about a thousandth of an inch thick and an inch or so in length. For the first time, they provide metals that are as strong as theory predicts they should be. They are a hundred times stronger than metallic crystals previously made, and are inherently resistant to rust. Top GE research official Dr. C. G. Suits, foresees, in time, important practical uses for knowledge gained in the study of these whiskers. It may lead to improvements of the strength and other mechanical properties of metals.

General Electric Company1954-03-10