1.   Japan was reported to be considering a liberalization of its market for amorphous metals, used in power generation, which US producers claimed to be closed to foreigners.

2.   An alloy of zirconium, titanium, nickel, copper and beryllium, it is one of a category of materials known as amorphous metal.

3.   In addition to armor-piercing shells, the Pentagon is also considering amorphous metals for wear-resistant machinery components, lightweight aircraft parts, and ship hulls.

4.   The new materials include amorphous metals that resist corrosion and, unlike normal crystalline metals, become harder under stress.