Articles tagged with Materials Engineering
Advanced computer simulations reveal shear deformations and internal mechanical stresses play a crucial role in grain growth and evolution. This discovery helps explain why real polycrystals behave differently than predicted and offers insights into designing stronger materials.
Scientists at Rice University develop a new method to align boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in water using a common surfactant, creating ordered liquid crystalline phases. The discovery enables the production of transparent, robust films ideal for thermal management and structural reinforcement applications.
Scientists at KIT have produced an MOF in thin-film form that exhibits metallic conductivity, enabling new possibilities for electronic components and applications. The breakthrough was achieved using a self-driving laboratory and precise control over crystallinity and domain size.
Researchers develop biodegradable material that cools temperatures by up to 9.2°C and reflects 99% of sun's rays, reducing energy consumption by 20% a year in hot cities.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a scalable method to create high-performance single-photon emitters in carbon-doped hexagonal boron nitride, paving the way for practical quantum light sources. The findings overcome long-standing challenges in the field and set a new benchmark for qubit production.
Researchers have developed a method to transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste into paracetamol using genetically reprogrammed E. coli bacteria. The new process creates virtually no carbon emissions and can be completed in under 24 hours.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a living material that can absorb CO2 from the air through photosynthesis and store it in a stable mineral form. The material, made with cyanobacteria, can be shaped using 3D printing and requires sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow.
A research team at TU Wien has demonstrated how electrical current can be generated using 'traffic jam of electrons' in certain materials. By incorporating additional immobile charge carriers into the material, they were able to create a significant improvement in thermoelectric properties.
Researchers Mostafa Bedewy and Ahmed Aziz Ezzat are advancing nanomanufacturing by using machine learning to control the formation of nanoparticles and grow carbon nanotubes. The team aims to reveal which nanoparticles act as seeds for growing nanotubes, a key step towards creating ideal high-density structures.
International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (IJEM) achieves a new Impact Factor of 21.3, surpassing 20 for the first time and maintaining its position as top journal in the field. IJEM has attracted submissions from 853 institutions in 81 countries.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel solution for image sensors, utilizing lead halide perovskite to capture every photon of light. This allows for improved color recognition and higher resolution, as well as advantages in hyperspectral imaging.
Researchers have developed a technique to observe phonon dynamics in nanoparticle self-assemblies, enabling the creation of reconfigurable metamaterials with desired mechanical properties. This advance has wide-ranging applications in fields such as robotics, mechanical engineering, and information technology.
The Beckman Institute team created a computational model that predicts how materials self-organize to give rise to new textures and properties. By understanding the chemical 'recipe' of polymer manufacturing, manufacturers can design and simulate materials with built-in patterns, enhancing toughness and reducing weight.
Bioengineering researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a soft, thin, stretchable bioelectronic device that can be implanted into a tadpole embryo's neural plate, recording electrical activity from single brain cells with millisecond precision.
A team from Institute of Science Tokyo has developed a postfunctionalization technique allowing for the incorporation of phosphonate esters under visible light conditions. This breakthrough paves the way for a broader range of polymer modifications, enabling the creation of novel polymer architectures with unique properties.
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics launches first room-temperature quantum accelerator, enabling energy-efficient hybrid quantum-classical computing. The QB-QDK2.0 system uses synthetic diamond substrates and NV centers to create stable qubits for industrial applications.
MIT engineers developed a new resin that turns into two different solids depending on the type of light, enabling the creation of complex structures with easily dissolvable supports. This method speeds up the 3D-printing process and reduces waste by allowing for recycling and reuse of the supports.
Researchers developed self-propelled ferroptosis nanoinducers to enhance cancer therapy by inducing programmed cell death. The nanotherapeutics exhibited enhanced diffusion and deep tumor penetration while maintaining biocompatibility.
Empa researchers have developed a novel deposition process for piezoelectric thin films using HiPIMS, producing high-quality layers on insulating substrates at low temperatures. The technique overcomes the challenge of argon inclusions by timing the voltage application to accelerate desired ions.
Himanshu Jain, Lehigh University professor of materials science and engineering, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Pardubice in the Czech Republic. The recognition honors his influential research on glass materials and leadership in advancing graduate education.
A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has received a $1.6 million grant to develop a system for rapidly accelerating the certification process of 3D-printed critical components used in military applications.
Researchers have demonstrated a new technique using lasers to create ceramics that can withstand ultra-high temperatures. The technique allows for the creation of ceramic coatings, tiles, or complex three-dimensional structures, enabling increased versatility in engineering new devices and technologies.
Researchers created a soft robotics technology that can identify damage, pinpoint its location, and autonomously initiate self-repair. The system uses a multi-layer architecture featuring liquid metal microdroplets, thermoplastic elastomer, and electromigration to melt and seal damaged areas, effectively self-healing the wound.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created a genuine 2D hybrid material called glaphene by chemically integrating graphene and silica. The new material exhibits unique properties, including new electronic and structural behavior, due to the interaction between its layers.
Researchers discovered ferroelectric phenomena at a subatomic scale in Brownmillerite, overcoming collective atomic vibrations limitations. This property enables selective domain formation within tetrahedral layers when an electric field is applied.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to fabricate ultrapure diamond films for quantum and electronic applications. By growing an extra layer of diamond on top of the substrate after ion implantation, they can bypass high-temperature annealing and generate higher-purity films.
Researchers developed AI system that detects 'fingerprint' from 3D printed parts, tracing origin to specific machine. This technology has major implications for supplier management and quality control.
The new 3D-printed device, STOMP, enhances tissue-engineering methods by allowing for precise control over cell types and spatial arrangement. This enables scientists to model complex diseases and recreate natural habitats of cells, paving the way for advancements in biomedical research.
A new membrane developed by MIT researchers separates different types of fuel based on their molecular size, eliminating the need for energy-intensive distillation. The membrane can efficiently separate heavy and light components from oil, and is resistant to swelling.
Materials researchers at Harvard have created a way to produce natural rubber that retains its stretchiness and durability while improving its ability to resist cracking. The new material is four times better at resisting slow crack growth during repeated stretching and 10 times tougher overall.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the German Electron Synchrotron mapped the internal structure of blacktip sharks in unprecedented detail, discovering a microscopic 'sharkitecture' composed of densely packed collagen and bioapatite. This intricate structure gives cartilage surprising strength while allowing flexibility.
Researchers have developed thin films that can compress infrared light, improving its propagation distance and wavelength range. The technology has potential applications in thermal management, molecular sensing, and photonics.
Engineers mimic natural shells' behavior by programming individual layers of synthetic material to collaborate under stress, expanding design space for nonlinear stress-strain responses. The new framework enables multistage responses that adapt to collision severity, improving wearable bandages and car bumpers.
The University of Michigan researchers discovered a simple annealing method that enhances the quality of materials used in cell phones, sensors and energy harvesting devices. The process boosts piezoelectricity eight times beyond current technology.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new 3D printing method for smart fabrics that improve comfort and durability. The technology uses biodegradable materials and a more environmentally friendly process, allowing fabrics to withstand repeated washings and abrasion tests.
Researchers at the University of Turku developed a simple, eco-friendly approach to fabricate optical microcavities, allowing for precise study of polaritons and potential applications in ultra-efficient lasers and quantum optics. This innovation makes quantum and photonics research more accessible and energy-efficient.
Researchers developed a method to produce tissues with controlled cellular organization, mimicking human tissue structure. The technique uses light-based 3D printing to create microgels with tailored internal architectures, enabling precise control of cell growth and behavior.
Empa researchers have developed a bio-based, biodegradable material from fungal mycelium that avoids chemical processing. The material has versatile functional properties, including emulsification capabilities, and is suitable for various applications. Its biodegradability makes it an attractive alternative to traditional materials.
Engineers at RMIT University have invented a neuromorphic device that detects hand movement, stores memories, and processes information like a human brain without an external computer. The device uses molybdenum disulfide to capture light and process visual information instantly, enabling real-time decisions.
Researchers at Dongguk University have created a graphene coating that supercharges zinc-ion batteries for grid use, overcoming safety issues and enabling high-performance industrial energy storage. The new technology supports roll-to-roll manufacturing, bringing affordable energy storage closer to commercialization.
A team of scientists has developed a new method for desalination that uses liquid tin to simultaneously purify water and recover valuable metals. The process, powered by concentrated solar energy, can transform desalination brine into a valuable resource.
The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology has launched the Wafer-scale Integrated Sensing Devices based on Optoelectronic Metasurfaces (WISDOM) research group, focusing on developing ultra-thin sensing devices for machines to perceive depth and spatial detail like human vision. This multi-million-dollar program aims to adv...
A synthetic lichen system developed by Texas A&M researchers enables concrete to heal itself without outside intervention. This innovation uses cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi to produce crack-filling minerals, setting it apart from previous self-healing concrete endeavors.
Researchers have developed a new 'pressurised spinning' innovation to create cellulose materials from cow manure, a waste product in the dairy farming industry. This process is an energy-efficient example of circular economy and has significant environmental and commercial benefits.
Researchers developed a thermal sensor to measure phonon vibrations at a molecular scale, finding that certain pathways cause destructive interference to reduce heat flow. This discovery could lead to the development of new materials and electronics with improved heat dissipation and efficiency.
Researchers from UC3M and Harvard University demonstrate reprogrammable mechanical behavior of magnetic metamaterials without changing composition. Flexible magnets allow for modification of stiffness and energy absorption capacity through distribution or external magnetic field manipulation.
Heavy nuclei at the neutron drip line exhibit weak binding due to coupling between nucleus-bound states and continuum spectrum. Researchers find that isospin asymmetry saturation affects Coulomb energy and symmetry energy, while deformation energy resists augmented proton charge. They also discover a correlation between magic numbers a...
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a dynamic material that can self-heal after puncturing, changing from solid to liquid and back, allowing it to absorb kinetic energy and leave tiny holes. The polymer's unique properties make it suitable for protecting space vehicles and military equipment.
Engineers at Princeton University and Georgia Institute of Technology have created a method to reinforce structures without creating new weaknesses. The approach uses microstructures designed to protect against multiple loads, allowing designers to counter various stresses simultaneously.
A new end-to-end framework, DarkAD, enhances anomaly detection in low-light environments by introducing a feature adapter that reduces noise and amplifies critical features. The model outperforms other state-of-the-art models in detecting subtle anomalies with high accuracy and speed.
Researchers have developed a new alloy design strategy that combines exceptional strength with superior resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The approach enables dual nanoprecipitates to trap hydrogen and enhance strength, resulting in a 40% increase in strength and a five-fold improvement in hydrogen embrittlement resistance.
A new research institute at Tufts University, supported by a $11.5 million sponsorship, will focus on materials science and engineering to advance sustainable energy solutions. The institute aims to develop cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy technologies, including renewable material-based batteries.
Researchers can now study microstructures inside metals, ceramics, and rocks with X-rays in a standard laboratory without needing a particle accelerator. The new technique, lab-3DXRD, enables quick analysis of samples and prototypes, providing more opportunities for students.
Researchers at UCLA developed a novel catalyst design that shields platinum from degradation, enabling fuel cells to power heavy-duty trucks reliably for up to 200,000 hours. This breakthrough could make hydrogen fuel cells a more viable clean energy source for long-haul trucking.
A team of researchers at POSTECH has identified a hidden mechanism in Electrochemical Random-Access Memory (ECRAM) technology, enabling faster and more efficient AI computations. This breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in data processing and reduced energy consumption.
Researchers synthesized three porphyrin-based COF materials with tunable structural distortion, revealing correlations between linker distortion and material properties. The NN-Por-COF photocatalyst exhibits exceptional CO2 reduction performance under simulated industrial flue gas conditions.
Scientists studied charge transport through organic light-emitting diodes using electronic sum-frequency generation spectroscopy. The study found changes in spectral signal intensities when applying voltages, indicating different internal charge flow across the organic layers.
Karen Lozano and Eduardo Salas have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for their groundbreaking research in materials science and industrial-organizational psychology. Their work has pushed the boundaries of STEM fields, improving team performance and advancing innovation.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a 'metabot' material that can expand, assume new shapes, move, and respond to electromagnetic commands. The metamaterial's complex behavior is enabled by chirality, allowing it to defy typical physical object rules.
ChatGPT excelled on straightforward math homework, but struggled with higher-level problems requiring reasoning. The study concludes that a student can use ChatGPT exclusively to get a B and pass the course, but lacks learning.