Articles tagged with Construction Materials
Researchers at Texas A&M University created novel 3D printable phase-change material composites to regulate ambient temperatures in buildings. These composites can be added to building materials or 3D printed as decorative accents.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the unique defect properties of low-dimensional materials particularly Sb2S3, which shows advantages in less dangling bonds and reduced recombination of carriers. Sulphur-rich Sb2S3 films exhibited excellent performance with lower density of defects and improved photovoltaic performance.
A Chinese-Australia collaboration successfully induced Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions (DMI) in TaS2 by intercalating iron atoms, which can be further tuned by gate-induced proton intercalation. This enables electrical control of chiral spin textures and potential applications in energy-efficient spintronic devices.
Researchers develop a new method to create ultrathin functional materials with highly defined structures, using self-organization and photopolymerization. The process produces porous two-dimensional polymers with nearly perfect order, opening up potential applications in filtration, membranes, and other contexts.
Researchers co-led by Professor Wang Xunli discovered a structure link between a glass solid and its crystalline counterpart, finding that both forms share the same building block. The team also concluded that connectivity between clusters distinguishes the crystalline and amorphous states.
Aalto University researchers discovered that wood-based pulp fibers are well-suited for making acoustic materials. These natural fibers have positive environmental impacts compared to traditional acoustic materials, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and producing more energy-efficient products.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a new method to recycle discarded fruit and vegetable scraps into strong construction materials. The process uses vacuum-dried, pulverized food scraps, such as seaweed and cabbage leaves, and produces materials that are at least as strong as concrete.
Scientists have developed a way to engineer materials at the atomic level using a dry transfer technique. The method uses anthracene as a sacrificial material to precisely position carbon nanotubes, resulting in bright photoluminescence up to 5,000 times brighter than the original molecule.
Researchers have designed new materials with tailored properties by combining different components, offering targeted design options for future functional materials. They discovered a physical effect that enables tuning the color of lighting technologies in a simple way.
Scientists have developed a novel artificial color-changing material that can detect seafood freshness by changing color in response to amine vapors released by microbes as fish spoils. The material has the potential to be used in various applications, including stretchable electronics and dynamic camouflaging robots.
Sergei Kalinin, a senior distinguished member at the Microscopy Society of America, has been elected as a Fellow. He is recognized for his pioneering work in quantitative scanning probe and scanning transmission electron microscopy. His research focuses on applying artificial intelligence to advanced electron and scanning probe microsc...
Researchers developed bistable inflatable structures using triangular building blocks that can fold flat and be combined to build closed, multistable shapes. These structures maintain their shape without constant input of pressure, enabling faster deployment and use in various applications.
Researchers developed a new material that fills a crucial gap in the electronic material library. The ultrathin beta-tellurite oxide has high mobility and is highly transparent, enabling fast and efficient devices.
Researchers have developed a bioinspired nanopaper that can change its stiffness and strength with an electrical switch, mimicking the defense mechanism of sea cucumbers. The material, made from cellulose nanofibrils, becomes soft and flexible when electricity is applied, and regains its original properties when the current stops.
Researchers aim to understand how neurons construct synapses of different strengths, a key factor in the diversity of neural communication. They will focus on 'active zones' and test how protein availability and gene expression affect AZ development.
Researchers develop hierarchical structure for lightweight materials by self-organization, creating a new type of exceptionally strong yet light material. The material's open network structure results in an impressive density reduction and mechanical properties superior to state-of-the-art materials.
Zebra finches select familiar nest materials when successful breeding, while less experienced birds experiment with new materials. This study challenges long-held assumptions about bird nesting behavior, showing that animals learn and modify their nests based on past experiences.
A new machine learning approach simulates atom dynamics in materials like aluminum, enhancing computational materials discovery. The automated method uses active learning to iteratively build a diverse training dataset, emulating highly accurate quantum simulations at reduced computational cost.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have created a more energy-efficient chemical recycling method for polyethylene-like plastics, recovering around 96% of the starting material. The new process uses 'breaking-points' to deconstruct molecular chains into smaller building blocks, making it suitable for 3D printing applications.
Researchers at TU Wien have discovered a two-phase material with surprising electro-mechanical properties that change dramatically above a certain temperature. The team found that the crystals responsible for these properties remain electroactive, but the macroscopic behavior disappears due to a loss of contact between crystal grains.
A team at Tokyo Metropolitan University studied liquid foams and found that bubble movement was qualitatively different depending on the range of bubble sizes present. They discovered a 'relaxation' phenomenon where bubbles rearranged themselves to reach a new stable state, leading to unique correlated motion observed in hexagonal foams.
Researchers have developed a genetic engineering method to observe woody cell wall formation in plants, allowing them to better understand the mechanisms behind complex biological processes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of stronger construction materials with a smaller carbon footprint.
Researchers developed a numerical model to predict the upward-to-downward reflection ratio of glass bead retro-reflective materials in urban canyons. The study found that retro-reflectivity increases from morning to noon, then decreases, contributing to UHI mitigation and reduced building energy consumption.
OHIO researcher Jason Trembly received two $500,000 grants to develop carbon-based building and construction materials reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing sustainability. The team aims to create carbon foam and piping materials with lower manufacturing costs and equivalent properties.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new method to create stronger 3D printed concrete using spiral patterns inspired by lobster shells. The twist patterns improve the material's durability and enable precise structural support where needed.
A new pillar[5]arene-based hybrid material has been fabricated with enhanced emission in both solid state and solution phases. The material exhibits stimuli-responsive luminescent properties, including tunable multicolor luminescence and ion sensing ability.
Researchers discovered that tweaking one layer of atoms on a catalyst's surface can significantly improve its performance in splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of hydrogen fuel, a crucial component of renewable energy storage.
Researchers used machine learning to design novel reticular frameworks for CO2 separation, outperforming existing materials. The automated platform generates optimal material designs, significantly reducing development time and resources.
Engineers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique using kirigami cuts to create complex 3D structures and nanoscale tools. The technique, inspired by traditional Japanese paper-folding practices, enables the creation of unusual shapes and functions.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel thermal contact system that can switch between heating and cooling modes. The device uses specially designed nanoscale materials to harness or expel specific wavelengths of light, reducing energy consumption by nearly 20% in the US.
A five-year study by University of British Columbia Okanagan researchers found that recycled concrete performs as well as conventional concrete, with comparable strength and durability. The innovative material can be a 100% substitute for non-structural applications and may eventually replace traditional construction methods.
Researchers found that nearly all insulation materials, except aerogels, were associated with chest infections. Insulators are also at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from exposure to asbestos.
Researchers have developed two new materials that enhance the capabilities of electronic 'touch,' allowing for more realistic simulations of human skin. These advances enable the creation of wearable healthcare sensors, prosthetics, and artificial skin for robots, with applications in grasping objects without disrupting natural touch.
Scientists from the US Army and MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms created a new way to link materials with unique mechanical properties, enabling the design of modular materials with tailored properties. This could lead to dynamic structures that can reconfigure on their own, such as swarms of robots forming bridges.
The global built environment sector must drastically reduce its climate impact to meet UN sustainability goals. A roadmap presented at the Beyond 2020 World Conference calls for powerful efforts and swift action from institutions, businesses, and urban planners.
Researchers have successfully developed a new class of hybrid glass materials that combine the properties of organometallic networks with those of conventional glasses. These materials exhibit improved mechanical properties, such as impact and fracture toughness, and can be tailored for specific applications.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing softer materials for robots to navigate safely and build trust with humans. The team plans to test their 'Soft Mult-Arm Robot' prototype in apple orchards and operating rooms.
Researchers developed two analytical models to evaluate retro-reflective materials' reflection directional characteristics, achieving more accurate results than traditional methods. The study aims to mitigate urban heat islands and reduce building energy consumption.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a unique installation, LightVault, using robotic strength and precision to reduce resource use. The structure's doubly curved design improved its structural efficiency by reducing material requirements.
High-speed cameras reveal intricate behavior of metal alloy samples under extreme stretching. Researchers discovered that a well-established magnetism model can accurately predict material deformation, offering new insights into the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.
A research team from KIST has developed a new material that can reduce heat penetration through building walls. By applying phase change materials with bubble injections, the indoor temperature can be suppressed and the cooling load of the building can be lowered.
UTA researcher Warda Ashraf is studying long-lasting Roman structures to develop sustainable construction materials. She aims to recreate ancient concrete using alkali-activated calcined clays to produce highly durable and resilient materials.
Engineers are studying earthen materials to create carbon-saving, indoor air quality improving building products. They aim to overcome negative perceptions and promote the use of natural materials in modern constructions.
Researchers achieve breakthrough in designing carbonaceous materials as cathodes with ultrahigh energy density (>1000 Wh kg?1) through p-type doping strategy. The work presents a new paradigm for evaluating electrochemical performance from multiple perspectives.
Halogen-bonding supramolecular co-crystals exhibit diverse architectures and impressive physicochemical properties, including fluorescence, magnetism, and liquid crystal behavior. The strength of halogen bonds enables the formation of complex assemblies with synergistic effects between components.
Researchers successfully predicted properties of over 120,000 crystal structures using convolutional neural networks, confirming diamond's hardness and suggesting potential superhard materials exist.
A team of researchers, led by the University of Texas at Austin, has cracked the code of a scientific anomaly that enables ultra-fast battery energy storage systems. They found metal compounds with up to three times the energy storage capability compared to common materials.
Researchers create load-bearing structure using local soil, reducing carbon footprint and waste. The new material is expected to be used in construction projects and potentially beyond Earth.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have created a novel memory device that exceeds previous performance while offering promising prospects for integration with silicon electronics. The device uses asymmetric metal and semi-metallic graphene materials to achieve record-breaking speed and efficiency.
Researchers at ANU have developed a novel organic semiconductor material that can be bent into any shape, promising faster and more flexible electronic devices. The material is made of just carbon and hydrogen, making it biodegradable and recyclable, which could reduce e-waste.
The UC San Diego lab funded by the grant will focus on developing new materials with improved properties for medical diagnostic tests, therapeutics, and decontamination. The center will also provide opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to work together and chart new avenues for innovation in materials science.
The LumAConM project aims to improve concrete diagnostics with a new, simple and cost-effective method enabling detailed assessments of concrete structures. Researchers use optical-chemical sensor technology to detect corrosion damage and assess service life.
Researchers at University of Córdoba successfully substitute up to 40% of conventional aggregates with granite sludge, maintaining mortar's durability and strength. The use of granite sludge reduces environmental harm and promotes sustainability in self-compacting concrete.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory developed a new approach to generating layered, difficult-to-combine heterostructured solids. By smashing pristine materials together through ball milling, they created unique three-dimensional misfit hetero assemblies with distinct electronic and magnetic properties.
A new study found that zebra finches' material preference for their first nest is shaped by their juvenile experience of the material, but only in the presence of an adult. Birds who had access to an adult or material during adolescence built their nests faster and preferred materials accordingly.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have introduced a novel color-changing organic crystal that displays superelastochromism, returning to its original shape and hue after being stressed. This property has potential applications in sensors for shear forces, particularly in industries like heavy manufacturing and shipping.
Researchers develop cellulose nanofiber plate (CNFP), a sustainable and high-performance material replacing traditional plastics. With exceptional strength, toughness, and thermal dimensional stability, CNFP has the potential to revolutionize industries, including aerospace.
Researchers have developed a way to recycle conventional polyurethane (PU) foams into rubber and hard plastic using a twin-screw extrusion process. This new method improves the mixing and air removal in recycled foams, producing high-quality products without the need for toxic starting materials.
The study evaluates impact response of ultra-high-strength concrete with different steel fiber contents and section heights. Increasing steel fiber content reduces damage by 30-50%, enabling enhanced building safety in high-rise buildings, bridges, and roads.
Scientists from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique that utilizes residual gamma radiation signatures to detect and locate radioactive materials, such as weapons-grade plutonium. The method relies on the unique properties of silicates in building materials like bricks.