Articles tagged with Materials Engineering
Researchers have developed a chemical upcycling method that converts existing plastics into new materials with rapidly degrading properties. This process has the potential to tackle global plastic pollution issues by replacing non-biodegradable plastics.
Researchers from Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research use AI and data science to extract valuable insights from decades-old experiments and scientific literature. This approach accelerates materials design and screening in catalysis, solid-state electrolytes, and hydrogen storage research.
Researchers found that atoms on certain gold surfaces naturally rearrange themselves into protective patterns that suppress reactions with oxygen. This discovery helps explain why gold jewelry and objects can remain untarnished for centuries.
A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.
Researchers at UNF will develop a system to spot and fix problems during the printing process, reducing flaws in 3D-printed metal parts. The project aims to dramatically reduce defects, leading to fewer failed builds, lower costs, and more sustainable production methods.
Researchers at Duke University developed a new approach to deliver GLP-1 medications orally that maintains efficacy without requiring fasting. The technique uses an elastin-like polypeptide-based delivery system that protects the peptide from stomach acid and releases it in the intestines, bypassing the stomach's destructive acids.
A new model combines text mining and machine learning to extract service-specific aspects and customer actions from online reviews. The model effectively identifies core technical issues and user love for a platform, enabling targeted decisions for improvement. Researchers validated the model using 231,705 online reviews of Roblox.
TEGNet accelerates optimization in thermoelectric generator design by predicting performance with high accuracy and speed. The AI model enables designers to freely combine independent models for various materials, enabling complex structure exploration and high conversion efficiencies.
Researchers developed a cellulose/MXene sediment aerogel that combines EMI shielding, infrared stealth, and Joule heating within a single porous structure. The aerogel retained high porosity and specific surface area, enabling strong electromagnetic wave attenuation and thermal insulation.
Researchers developed a new class of stretchy bioelectronics that can stick to biological tissue and relieve hypertension while causing less damage to surrounding tissue. The CaroFlex device uses gentle electrical frequencies to modulate the baroreceptor reflex, providing effective treatment for drug-resistant hypertension.
Hanyang University researchers found that a coating thickness of 2.5 nanometers is necessary to prevent harmful side reactions in sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries. The study showed improved electrochemical performance and cycle life with this minimum effective coating thickness.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created protein-based materials that can be readily recycled and remade into the same fibers over multiple cycles. These biodegradable fibers, called SAM, are made from genetically engineered microbes and can dissolve in a formic acid solution within seconds.
Researchers discovered that sea squirts package adhesive materials into nanocondensates, which deliver them to the destination and unpack for use. This mechanism is distinct from mussels' adhesion strategy, providing clues for developing bio-adhesives to assist in seaweed cultivation.
The use of 1H-indole-3-carbohydrazide in perovskite solar cells has successfully alleviated the major obstacle of defect-induced nonradiative recombination, leading to improved stability and power conversion efficiency. This additive achieves a critical balance between high performance and long-term durability.
Researchers have developed a new computational workflow combining generative AI with atomistic simulations to identify promising platinum alloy catalyst structures for hydrogen fuel cells. The method produces high-performing candidates from several material combinations, addressing a longstanding challenge in catalyst design.
A research team has successfully removed the primary obstacle to post-silicon computing by creating a record-breaking electronic connection for atomic-thin materials. The new GaOx layer enables 'hybrid tunnelling' mechanism, reducing contact resistance and allowing transistors to operate at much lower voltages without sacrificing speed.
Researchers create shape-morphing filaments using rotational multimaterial 3D printing, enabling programmable artificial muscles that bend and twist on demand. The breakthrough could accelerate the development of complex technologies such as soft robotics, energy damping, and biomedical devices.
The HARMONY project has achieved a significant milestone by processing recycled neodymium-iron-boron powder into functional magnet components. The process enables the production of high-quality magnets using industrially relevant methods, reducing dependence on primary raw materials.
A new autonomous laboratory named PoLARIS has identified brighter, lead-free light-emitting nanomaterials in just 12 hours. By analyzing the optical properties and adjusting variables, PoLARIS has improved the brightness of these materials, enabling faster discovery of safer optical nanoplatelets for various applications.
A team of researchers from MIT has directly characterized the three-dimensional atomic structure of a relaxor ferroelectric for the first time. This breakthrough provides a framework for refining models used to design next-generation computing, energy, and sensing devices.
Wagner's research aims to bridge the gap between molecular structure and mechanical properties, using machine learning to analyze entanglements in polymer chains. This could lead to designing more effective biomimetic tissue implants and other cutting-edge biomedical devices.
New study finds anaerobic digestion of hemp hurd-based bioplastic systems delivers the best environmental outcome, generating up to 6.1 kg less CO2 emissions per 1 kg mulch film treated. The production process significantly affects the final carbon footprint of biocomposites.
Researchers developed a multi-physics machine learning framework that improves stress prediction accuracy by integrating electrical resistivity. The model achieved significant reductions in mean absolute error and improved coefficient of determination, making it a promising approach for real-time monitoring of compressive stress in UHPC.
Engineers at MIT and their collaborators create a new type of soft magnetic hydrogel that can be made into complex, magnetically activated three-dimensional structures. The new gel enables the creation of microscopic, magnetically responsive robots and materials with micron-scale precision.
The Harvard-led team demonstrates a micron-scale photonic device that generates two orders of magnitude more UV light on a chip than previous approaches. By converting red light to UV light through frequency upconversion, the researchers create high-power, low-loss, compact UV sources.
This study investigates the effects of high-volume fly ash on early-age characteristics and hardening properties of concrete. The results show that fly ash can improve fresh concrete workability but delays setting time. However, moderate fly ash replacement achieves excellent long-term strength and stiffness.
Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.
Researchers develop solar-powered technology to convert plastic waste into valuable fuels, including hydrogen and syngas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and addressing pollution challenges.
Researchers developed a machine learning approach to analyze Fermi surface images, identifying compositions with significant changes and nodal lines. The method accurately detects outliers, enabling efficient screening of large datasets for desirable electronic properties.
Researchers find crab shell waste alters microbial communities on biodegradable plastics, reducing breakdown rate. The effect persists even without direct contact, suggesting biochemical compounds released from crab shells trigger changes in the plastisphere.
A new study from Rice University transforms lunar regolith simulant into a valuable building resource, strengthening advanced composite materials by up to 30-40%. The innovative approach reduces dependence on Earth-supplied materials, increasing the feasibility of longer missions and infrastructure development.
Researchers investigate whether micro- and nanoplastics contribute to liver disease through oxidative stress, fibrogenesis, and inflammation. They emphasize the need for increased research into plastic-induced liver injury and its potential impact on human health.
New research reveals that the organization of electrons within a material determines its response to light. The study shows that moiré superlattices can be engineered to exhibit unusual properties by controlling electron arrangement.
Researchers develop new concept to accurately model wind turbine loads, focusing on local gusts' impact on material fatigue. This enhances turbine design and efficiency by reducing uncertainties in load estimations.
A mild chemical strategy enhances interfacial bonding and pore structure in biomass-based magnesium cement materials, leading to improved mechanical strength and thermal insulation. The approach promotes more uniform pore distribution, stabilizes the foam structure within the composite, and reduces environmental burden.
A team at Virginia Tech developed a water-based process to create multilayer bioplastic films that are both high-performing and easier to manufacture. The method avoids toxic solvents and matches current industrial production speeds, making it viable for real-world use.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a new class of miniature actuators using ultrathin silicone film-based pumps. The pumps can operate without motors, compressed air, or lubricants and can be switched on and off as needed.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed energy-efficient geometries for elastocaloric cooling elements using 3D printing. The technology uses shape-memory alloys to release heat when stretched and absorb it when released, promising a cleaner alternative to traditional cooling methods.
Researchers created a new polymer electrode that conforms to the skin, is comfortable, and can pick up ECG signals without gel or adhesives. The technology performed comparably to existing sensors in proof-of-concept testing, showcasing its potential for practical and cost-effective health monitoring applications.
Researchers developed a powerful model to understand charge separation at the interface, influencing catalytic activity. The model provides insights into the formation of electric double layers and local electric potential variations.
Researchers from Kumamoto University and partners discovered a method to enhance titanium alloys using high-density pulsed electric current, achieving improved strength and toughness. The technique harnesses an electron wind force to reorganize the internal crystal structure, producing nanoscale martensitic phases that disperse stress ...
The researchers developed an AI-based method that allows users to input natural language prompts about the materials they want to create and suggests optimal procedures for experiments to produce them. The method has been successfully applied to identify catalysts for turning carbon dioxide and hydrogen into carbon monoxide and water u...
Researchers at CU Boulder explore entangled particles for strong, adaptable materials. They found a 'two-legged' particle shape with optimal geometry delivers maximum entanglement, combining strength and toughness.
The University of Hong Kong's High West Development has been awarded the Outstanding MiC Project (Design) award for its innovative application of Modular Integrated Construction. The project features high-quality design, campus planning, and heritage sensitivity, showcasing how MiC can be integrated with these aspects.
St. Olaf researchers create mechanical computers that can perform simple computations without a computer chip or power source, harnessing their power from physical force. The devices demonstrate proof of design for alternative computing in harsh settings, paving the way for smart materials and responsive artificial limbs.
Researchers have developed a water-soluble cellulose ethyl phosphite (CEP) adhesive that integrates high bonding strength, environmental tolerance, and recyclability. The CEP adhesive demonstrates remarkable thermal stability and resistance to moisture-related degradation, making it suitable for various applications.
A team of researchers developed a machine learning framework to optimize laser settings for printing crack-susceptible superalloys. The algorithm reduced internal crack density by 99% and increased the metal's high-temperature strength, surpassing traditional cast components.
Researchers developed a lightweight lattice structure inspired by butterfly wings, exhibiting enhanced mechanical strength, impact resistance, and energy absorption capabilities. The new design outperforms conventional lattice designs under compression and dynamic impact loading.
Scientists at the University of Amsterdam have developed metamaterials that learn and adapt without a central brain, allowing them to change shape and perform advanced tasks. These 'smart' materials can forget old shapes and learn new ones, enabling them to evolve and perform complex tasks.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new manufacturing strategy to precisely control the formation of laser-induced graphene on polymers. This allows for the creation of flexible microelectrodes and neurochemical biosensors with robust electrical and electrochemical performance.
Researchers have developed a technique to image individual atoms at solid-liquid interfaces in a range of non-aqueous solvents, enabling the study of key chemical processes and catalysts. The 'nano-aquarium' method uses graphene windows to contain tiny liquid cells, allowing for atomic-scale imaging and tracking of millions of atoms.
The Centre will address bottleneck challenges in advanced battery materials and electric-enabled technology for energy storage and green conversion. Collaborations with renowned institutions will drive innovation and accelerate translation of research outcomes into real-world impact.
Researchers have discovered a photostriction effect in perovskite crystals that reversibly changes shape when exposed to light. This property makes them 'smart materials' that can be tuned to respond to stimuli, potentially leading to new device designs such as sensors or actuators.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive electronic 'skin' using tiny devices that can measure force applied over an area. This technology has the potential to improve prosthetic limbs and robotic manipulation, allowing robots to accurately track hand movements and grasp delicate objects.
Researchers from the University of Warsaw and other institutions created optical tornadoes by combining spatially variable birefringence with an optical microcavity. This allows for the creation of miniature light sources with complex structures, potentially enabling simpler and more scalable photonic devices.
Researchers discovered an unusual interfacial layer that promotes higher growth rates by adsorbing carbon dioxide molecules. The study aims to explore larger hydrate structures for technology development and address real-world problems such as CO2 containment and water desalination.
Researchers have developed a new class of carbon materials called 'viciazites' that contain carefully controlled configurations of nitrogen groups, enabling low-temperature operation and efficient CO2 capture. The materials outperform untreated carbon fibers in CO2 uptake and desorption at temperatures below 60°C.
Researchers developed a bespoke aluminum alloy specifically tailored to survive and thrive in 3D printing. The new material produces components with significantly higher strength and lower internal stress than current industry standards.
Researchers develop programmable system to selectively pick up and place delicate electronic components, enabling mass production of defect-free displays and 3D microchips. The 'smart stamp' technology uses localized heating to control a polymer's stickiness, allowing precise transfer of semiconductor chips and other materials.
Researchers developed inch-scale, binder-free ultrahard diamond wafers with Vickers hardness exceeding 200 GPa. The ultra-hard diamond wafer exhibits outstanding wear resistance and structural stability, making it suitable for applications in extreme-environment electronics, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor thermal management.