Articles tagged with Construction Materials
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a self-templating material assembly process using a harmless virus to mimic the formation of complex structures from helical macromolecules like collagen. The technique allows for control over the type of pattern formed, enabling the creation of materials with diverse functions.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to build crystalline materials from nanoparticles and DNA, allowing for the creation of new materials with predictable physical properties. The design rules enable controlled crystallization, resulting in a variety of structures with unique properties.
A recent study by NIST, funded by the US Department of Homeland Security, has overturned existing myths about wildfires, revealing new vulnerabilities in building materials. The research found that embers can easily ignite building materials placed behind vents, and ceramic-tile roofs are not as fire-resistant as thought.
Scientists at the University of Illinois' Beckman Institute have created an active pumping mechanism for microvascular systems, which greatly enhances the repair of damaged materials like cracks in coatings on buildings or bridges. The pressurized delivery system outperforms traditional capillary force methods by a significant margin.
Researchers are testing new technologies that detect hard and soft spots in roadbeds, allowing for more efficient and effective foundation construction. The mobile lab's work could also be applied to the construction and monitoring of earthen levees to improve stability and reduce costs.
Researchers successfully incorporated Waelz slag into commercial-size bricks using existing equipment, reducing toxic metal leaching. The resulting bricks meet EU quality standards for construction ceramic materials.
A new outdoor testing system tracks real weather conditions and measures the impact of temperature changes on building joint sealants. This technology may help manufacturers improve the protective performance of their products, leading to reduced moisture damage and associated repairs.
Researchers at NIST and Virginia Tech developed a new reference material for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which showed more accurate measurement results than previous methods. The tool aims to reduce inter-laboratory variability in VOC emissions testing, leading to improved indoor air quality and occupant health.
A new assessment by Professor Nicholas Ambraseys and Professor Roger Bilham reveals that corrupt building practices are responsible for most earthquake-related deaths globally. The study found a strong correlation between wealth and corruption, with less wealthy nations being the most corrupt.
The study aims to fill knowledge gaps in cold-formed steel's performance during earthquakes, providing structural engineers with better tools to predict and mitigate damage. The researchers will test two-story buildings and develop computer models to analyze how various building components respond to seismic forces.
A new device can analyze samples thousands of years old in minutes, helping archaeologists determine ancient activities. It works by lifting off spectral fingerprints with infrared light and analyzing molecular peaks to tease out material origin differences.
A new report highlights the potential benefits of nanomaterials in construction, including improved strength, durability, and energy efficiency. However, concerns about adverse health and environmental effects also exist, emphasizing the need for guidelines to regulate their use.
A new gamma-ray detector, Polaris, can pinpoint and show the exact location of radiation sources, unlike conventional detectors. It provides a real-time image of the radiation source, allowing inspectors to navigate towards it with precision.
Researchers in Spain and Scotland created bricks with wool fibres that are 37% stronger than conventional bricks, reducing environmental impact. The new material is made from clay, alginate, and sheep's wool, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.
Researchers analyzed over 140 studies on nanomaterials in construction and found benefits including increased strength and durability, as well as improved energy efficiency. However, concerns about potential health and environmental effects exist, highlighting the need for guidelines to regulate their use.
A new study by Rice University researchers highlights the vast potential of nanomaterials in the construction industry, from making more durable concrete to self-cleaning windows. The study also identifies potential adverse health and environmental effects, emphasizing the need for responsible lifecycle engineering.
Researchers at Taiwan's National Chiao Tung University have made a discovery that opens the door to building electronic components like diodes on various substrates, including plastic, paper, and fabric. They developed a new method to improve the rectification efficiency of oxide diodes by forming nanoscale current paths in oxides.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool construct molecular 'knots' with dimensions of around two nanometers, using a process called self-assembly to mechanically bond interpenetrating loops. The discovery has potential applications in building molecular machines to trap harmful gases and pollutants.
A researcher at the University of Illinois Chicago is using computer modeling to improve the durability of mud bricks and rammed earth structures. The project aims to provide insights into their structural behavior and design safer buildings.
Researchers have created a new two-dimensional polymer crystal self-assembled in water, mirroring biological systems. The peptoid nanosheets have unique properties and can be precisely tailored for various applications.
A researcher at Case Western Reserve University is developing new materials inspired by nature, including scratch-resistant coatings and durable fabrics. The materials are engineered to mimic the incredible attributes of natural materials like squid beaks and spider webs.
The University of Nevada, Reno has developed a new curriculum that combines nanotechnology with skiing, aiming to prepare mechanical engineers for emerging challenges. Students will design and manufacture innovative materials and technologies to create extraordinary ski designs, including energy-efficient systems and dynamic structures.
Researchers at Kent State University have broken the world record for packing tetrahedra, with a packing fraction of 85.03%. They also discovered that the simplest regular solids form quasicrystals when compressed.
Researchers at the University of Bath are constructing a two-storey BaleHaus made of prefabricated straw bales and hemp cladding panels to test the sustainability of straw houses. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions and provide eco-friendly housing options.
The researchers used mechanical forces to control catalytic activity, initiating chemical reactions and creating a 'molecular ripcord' that can switch between dormant and active states. This discovery enables the creation of self-repairing materials that strengthen under mechanical stress.
Professor Geoffrey Gadd's research explores how microbes interact with metals and minerals, degrading ammunition and transforming pollutants. His work has significant implications for environmental biotechnology and nuclear decommissioning.
Researchers have developed a synthetic wood substitute made from a new biodegradable plastic that could replace petrochemical plastics in building materials and disposable water bottles. The material is durable, recyclable and can be produced faster than wood or trees.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a novel method to assemble graphite oxide sheets into continuous membranes, overcoming conventional thin-film processing limitations. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-quality graphene devices with high successful yields and potential applications in energy-related fields.
The University of Minnesota's study found that the original design and additional weights from construction materials put too much stress on the bridge. The researchers concluded that the gusset plates were in a state of instability, which led to their collapse.
A team of researchers has developed a technique to examine tiny protein molecules called peptides on the surface of a gold nanoparticle, offering promise for designing and manufacturing novel materials at the nanoscale. This breakthrough allows for the creation of complex nanomachines and potentially new medical applications.
A prototype of a sturdy bamboo house was built in under two weeks with a modular design that can be adjusted for specific family needs. The structure is made from processed bamboo veneer sheets and is fireproof, insulated for heat and sound, and sustainable.
A PhD study by Juan Pedro Reyes found that integrating safety into building design can significantly reduce accidents and costs. The research developed a mathematical model to calculate the sustainability of a building's safety, with promising results.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technique using DNA to assemble crystalline structures out of gold nanoparticles, resulting in materials with unique properties. The method allows for the creation of 'designer' materials with specific applications in fields like therapeutics and electronics.
The SUPERCABLE project will build a 30m superconductor cable with a current value of 3200 Amperes RMS, transporting the electrical strength of 110 MVA. This technology aims to reduce energy consumption by 10-15% and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a naturally occurring material that can be used as a template for building nanodevices. The discovery, published in Nature Materials, provides a simpler method for creating nanostructures by leveraging the spontaneous phase separation of a ceramic material at the nanoscale.
Angela Belcher's research with viruses is developing faster, better, cheaper, and environmentally-friendly electronic devices. Her nanofactories generate little waste, grow at room temperature, and promise to be inexpensive and largely biodegradable.
Researchers call for a rethink in biomaterials to create more reactive medical implants that engage with biological processes. The new approach aims to improve implant functionality, longevity and healing outcomes by working in harmony with the body.
Experts are gathering at Michigan State University to identify the nation's research and training needs in fire and structural safety. The university is unveiling a new structural fire testing facility, which will enable researchers to test beams, columns, and slabs under extreme heat conditions.
Researchers create covalent organic frameworks with high thermal stability, surface areas and extremely low densities. COF-108 has the lowest density reported of any crystalline material, suitable for storing hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide.
Researchers at Stanford and Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science built a nanoscale semiconductor system that demonstrates the two-channel Kondo effect. By tuning the coupling between two sets of mobile electrons, they created a state where the magnetic atom cannot decide which set to pair with, leading to a conductance that depends s...
Researchers at Tufts University are developing soft-bodied robots inspired by biology, which could revolutionize medical diagnosis and treatment, as well as space exploration. The project aims to create devices that can adapt to different environments and perform tasks such as climbing and burrowing.
Researchers create patterned magnetic films using Permalloy and cobalt, with dots measuring 100 nanometers in size. The team uses a state-of-the-art TEM to map the magnetic properties of each dot, enabling precise control over spin orientation and switching mechanism.
Researchers at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility report the synthesis of a new material, MIL-101, with very large internal pores and high surface area. The novel metal organic framework material has potential applications in chemical separation, heterogeneous catalysis, gas storage, and more.
The USDA will use NIST's Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) tool to evaluate the environmental and economic performance of biobased products over their life cycles. Biobased products made from renewable materials will be preferred in federal procurement.
Researchers at UCSD have discovered a unique structure in abalone shells that can provide the basis for lightweight and effective body armor. The shells' layered structure, made of calcium carbonate tiles held together by protein adhesive, is theoretically the toughest arrangement possible.
A recent study published by Oregon State University found that wood framing used 17% less energy than steel construction and 26-31% less global warming potential. The research also suggested ways to redesign houses to lower fossil fuel use, reduce material waste, and recycle demolition wastes.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a way to produce germanium nanocomposite materials using diatoms, single-celled algae found in ocean water. The method operates at room temperature and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective production of electronic devices.
Researchers discovered that ferroelectric materials can maintain stability even at incredibly small thicknesses, opening doors to the creation of smaller devices. This breakthrough is significant for applications such as sensors and memory systems.
The new center aims to develop scientific principles for nanoscale materials and integrate them into larger systems. It will provide researchers with state-of-the-art capabilities to explore, fabricate, and study nanoscale materials.
Researchers have developed a method to transport indium particles along carbon nanotubes using electrical current, enabling high-throughput assembly of nanostructures. This breakthrough could revolutionize the field of nanotechnology by allowing for efficient and precise delivery of atoms.
Designing nanomaterials requires careful consideration of interatomic force laws and scaling dimensions. At the nanoscale, tiny cracks require more load to spread, increasing the risk of catastrophic failure. Ceramic materials are particularly affected due to their high strength, hardness, and light weight.
Scientists verify King Hezekiah's role in constructing the Siloam Tunnel by dating organic material and stalactites within the tunnel. The findings refute a recent claim suggesting a much later date for the tunnel.
Seyferth's research focuses on creating new molecules through the use of organometallic compounds. He has made significant contributions to the field of organometallic chemistry, including the development of methods for synthesizing complex compounds such as drugs and adhesives.
Researchers are investigating novel quantum states by examining materials in reduced dimensions, which confine electron flow. This approach has led to the discovery of unusual metals and a better understanding of phase transitions at quantum limits.
Researchers have developed new aerogel nanocomposites that are 100 times more resistant to breakage and almost totally insensitive to moisture. The materials could be used for a variety of applications including building insulation, impact-resistant automobile bumpers and lighter aircraft frames.
A St. Louis chemist has won a national award for developing innovative materials, including durable ship coatings that repel barnacles without polluting the environment. Her research also explores degradable polymers for medical applications, such as transporting cancer drugs to their targets.
Researchers at UCR have developed an organic compound that exhibits bistability in all three physical channels: optical, electrical, and magnetic. This multifunctional material has the potential to be used in advanced electronic devices.
Researchers at Virginia Tech create flexible photovoltaic devices using nanometer-thick layers of self-assembling materials, increasing efficiency to up to 20% of silicon. Electrochromic films also improve response times, enabling faster color changes for applications in flat panel displays.
Researchers at Cornell University have created hybrid materials that mimic and improve on the properties of natural silkworm silk. The new materials, which include extreme flexibility, considerable tensile strength, and water solubility, are poised to be used in a variety of applications including textiles and biomedical fields.
Researchers developed a tamper-proof watermarking process that protects both owners and legitimate customers of multimedia data. The system combines encryption with part of the original image to create an invisible watermark.