Metastable materials

Metastable materials are substances that remain in a specific, non-equilibrium state for a long period because they are in a local energy minimum, not the most stable form possible. While they can persist for extended times, they are not the most stable configuration and may eventually transform into a more stable form when triggered by changes in temperature, pressure, or other conditions. This property makes metastable materials useful in various applications like pharmaceuticals, metal alloys, and advanced electronics, where their unique features can be harnessed before they change into more stable forms.