Articles tagged with Materials Engineering
German physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to study the optical properties of two-dimensional materials. His team plans to develop experimental set-ups to investigate the unique properties of these materials, which could lead to new applications in quantum technologies.
Researchers found that burned rice hulls can provide a nearly doubling of energy density in typical lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries. The process is more sustainable than producing graphite from biomass, which requires heating to high temperatures and produces significant CO2 emissions.
A new technique has been demonstrated for self-assembling electronic devices, enabling faster and less expensive production. The method uses a directed metal-ligand reaction to create semiconductor materials with tunable properties.
Researchers have developed an artificial adhesion system that closely mimics natural biological interactions, enabling precise control over its strength under varying forces. The innovative 'fish-hook' bond has vast potential in materials science and medicine, inspiring responsive materials and force-sensitive drug delivery systems.
Scientists at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully created luminous wood by combining fungal threads with hardwood. The process involves a two-stage enzymatic reaction that stimulates the production of luciferin, emitting green light from the treated wood.
A novel thermal dome concept has been proposed to overcome limitations in traditional thermal cloaking devices. The design features an open functional area, enabling usability and applicability for objects with heat sources, and a reconfigurable structure inspired by Lego blocks.
Daniel Oropeza, an assistant professor at UC Santa Barbara, has been awarded a $1 million grant to research near-net-shape fabrication of high-density ceramics. His team aims to create complex geometries using a multi-material deposition system and hot pressing, which could lead to the development of new materials for extreme environme...
Researchers developed a new durable plastic that breaks down in seawater, reducing microplastic pollution. The material is strong, non-toxic, and customizable for various applications.
The German Research Foundation has approved a four-and-a-half-year extension for the Research Training Group 2516, which explores structure formation in soft matter. The group aims to understand assembly processes and manipulate them through interfaces.
A new language called STRONG encodes nanopore shape and structure, enabling machine learning models to predict their properties. This allows for efficient analysis of nanopores and opens up possibilities for gas separation and reducing carbon emissions.
A new high-metal-loading single-atom catalyst (SAC) enhances the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), effectively boosting bacterial killing. SACs demonstrate excellent catalytic performance and biocompatibility.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new method to visualize magnetic nanostructures with a resolution of around 70 nanometres. This breakthrough enables the analysis of spintronic components and has significant implications for energy-efficient storage technologies.
Researchers at Kyushu University develop a novel technique for building complex 3D microfluidic networks using plant roots and fungal hyphae in silica nanoparticles. This bio-inspired method enables the creation of intricate biological structures, opening new opportunities for research in plant and fungal biology.
Researchers developed a new method to create ultra-responsive thin films, enhancing wireless communications, electronics, and other technologies. The approach enables faster data transmission speeds and reduced latency, paving the way for next-generation 5G and emerging 6G networks.
Researchers have developed sensitive ceramic sensors that can selectively respond to pressure or temperature, which are integrated into a prosthetic hand and a robotic skin. The goal is to enable safe collaboration between humans and machines, with applications in medicine and industry.
Researchers developed a compound metalens that enables distortion-free imaging across a wide field of view. The device demonstrated diffraction-limited performance and low barrel distortion, outperforming reference metalens.
An international team of scientists identified a surprising factor accelerating lithium-ion battery degradation, leading to reduced charge and potential failure in critical situations. Strategies to reduce self-discharge may include electrolyte additives and cathode coatings to improve battery lifespan.
A research group at Chuo University developed a method to induce deformations in polymer materials at specific depths using two-photon absorption. This enables versatile deformations and motions, enhancing the degree of freedom, and contributes to the development of small, lightweight, and soft robots.
Researchers used muscovite mica to quantify chemomechanical weakening in materials. The study found that the surface condition of muscovite affects its degradation and failure, with dry conditions causing more deformation before failure.
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
A team of scientists leveraged machine learning to find promising compositions for sodium-ion batteries, achieving exceptional energy density. The study trained a model on a database of 100 samples to predict the optimal ratio of elements needed to balance properties like operating voltage and capacity retention.
Researchers investigated the effect of tool corner radius on chip formation in Zr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) machining. The study found that increasing the corner radius leads to an increase in serrated frequency and secondary shear bands within individual sections, affecting surface quality.
A full textile energy grid can be wirelessly charged, powering wearable sensors, digital circuits, and even temperature control elements. The system uses MXene ink printed on nonwoven cotton textiles, demonstrating its viability for integrated textile-based electronics.
Researchers from Texas A&M University synthesized research findings to improve medical devices and therapy success rates. The review emphasizes the need to understand macrophage cell behavior to develop targeted immunotherapy treatments.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new method to visualize interfaces in organic solar cells, revealing design rules to improve efficiency. The study found that sharp donor-acceptor interfaces are key to reducing voltage losses.
Researchers aim to refine mechanical recycling process through segregation to enhance recycled foam performance. The project will create components suitable for the footwear and automotive industries, reducing environmental impact.
Professor Patrick E. Hopkins of UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science has secured a $289,830 Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop a precise tool for measuring heat movement in microchips. The technology will enhance cooling and prevent overheating in next-generation devices.
High-performance manufacturing (HPM) is a solution to meet the challenges of loading, transmission, conduction, energy conversion and stealth requirements in critical sectors. HPM advocates for a design and manufacturing approach based on scientific modeling and precise control.
A literature review identifies factors influencing material microstructure evolution during Arc wire-based DED. Novel techniques like interlayer forging and ultrasonic impact enhance material properties, reducing defects and improving microstructure.
The tube spinning process offers distinct advantages, including lower forming load, heightened accuracy, and surface finish. It has been applied to various materials, such as magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, and composite materials, to form hollow rotary components.
Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have synthesized aza-diarylethenes that exhibit both photoswitching and thermal switching properties. These new molecules can be used as rewritable recording mediums, written with light or heat, and erased with visible light.
Scientists developed a technique to engineer LHPs with controlled size distribution of quantum wells, improving efficiency and stability in LEDs and lasers. By controlling nanoplatelets' growth, they achieved excellent energy cascades, enhancing photovoltaic performance and stability.
A team of scientists conducted a systematic review of tool wear monitoring based on audible sound signals, highlighting four promising research directions. They found that the use of microphone sensors presents a promising strategy due to its ease of installation and adaptability in measurement.
The ASU-led initiative, EPIXC, aims to develop cost-effective technologies to replace fossil fuel-based industrial process heating with clean electricity. Five jump-start projects were selected to advance innovations in electrified industrial process heating, covering various sectors and temperature ranges.
A Carnegie Mellon University-led team is developing a bioelectronic implant called ROGUE that can produce a year's supply of treatment for chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The device will offer continuous, adjustable therapy deployment via a minimally invasive procedure.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a promising solid electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries, showing high conductivity and formability. The new electrolyte, Na2.25TaCl4.75O1.25, also exhibits superior mechanical properties and electrochemical stability.
A University of Maryland-led study found that burying wood in the right environmental conditions can stop its decomposition and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers analyzed a 3,775-year-old log and surrounding soil, revealing that it had lost less than 5% carbon dioxide thanks to the low-permeability clay soil.
A new recycling process for rare-earth elements has been developed, promising to significantly advance recycling technology and support global efforts towards carbon neutrality. The selective extraction–evaporation–electrolysis (SEEE) process achieved recovery rates of 96% for neodymium and 91% for dysprosium, with both metals reaching...
A literature review on fracture prediction of incremental forming process based on uncoupled and coupled damage models was conducted. The paper discusses research studies for various damage models, simulations based on these models were carefully analyzed and compared with experiments.
A University of Virginia engineer developed a workflow to combine advanced imaging technologies for improved understanding of porous bone, which could inform disease detection. The method allows for three-dimensional rendering of bone structure across various length scales.
A recent review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in silicon carbide processing, highlighting key areas requiring further research. The study identifies critical aspects of grinding, lapping, and polishing techniques to overcome the challenges of processing high-quality SiC wafers.
Researchers have identified coupling design methods, composite manufacturing techniques, and future prospects for micro/nanorobots. The review explores three core functions: mobility, controllability, and load capacity, offering insights into designing high-performance MNRs.
Researchers have created a single-step method for producing Invar alloys with zero CO2 emissions and improved mechanical strength. The new process integrates metal extraction, alloying, and thermomechanical processing into one reactor step.
Researchers at Kyushu University developed a new organic thermoelectric device that can generate power from ambient temperature. The device, composed of copper phthalocyanine and fullerenes, achieved an open-circuit voltage of 384 mV and a short-circuit current density of 1.1 μA/cm².
A new AI model called Crystalyze can analyze X-ray crystallography data to determine the structure of powdered crystals. The model was trained on a database of over 150,000 materials and successfully predicted structures for over 100 previously unsolved patterns.
A new report by international experts urges a collective approach to tackle plastic pollution, citing over 7,000 research studies on microplastics. The need for global reduction in plastic production and emission of microplastic particles is emphasized to avoid irreversible environmental damage.
Scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new type of qubit that can be easily manufactured without sacrificing performance. The constriction junction architecture offers a simpler alternative to traditional SIS junctions, using a thin superconducting wire instead of an insulating layer.
Scientists have developed an electrochemical approach using catalysts derived from used lithium-ion batteries to produce hydrogen peroxide. The method utilizes carbon nanostructures and cobalt, displaying catalytic properties in oxygen reduction reactions.
The new material resists cracking and avoids sudden failure, unlike conventional brittle cement-based counterparts. By manipulating the structure of the material itself, researchers achieve significant improvements in toughness without additional material.
Researchers discovered phase separation plays a crucial role in memristors retaining information over time. The team developed a device with improved retention behavior, yielding results comparable to 10 years of storage without power.
A team of GIST researchers developed a new defect passivation strategy for polycrystalline perovskites, leading to improved power conversion efficiency and long-term operational stability. The strategy uses a chemically identical polytype of perovskite to suppress defects in the crystal structure.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created a world-leading structural battery that can halve the weight of laptops and make mobile phones as thin as credit cards. The battery has increased its stiffness, allowing it to be used in vehicles, increasing their driving range by up to 70 percent on a single charge.
A novel PEEK-based implant material, sPEEK/BP/E7, has been developed to promote bone growth and possess potent antibacterial capabilities. The material exhibits enhanced cytocompatibility and osteogenicity in vitro, outperforming traditional samples.
Researchers from Texas A&M are leading a $26 million decarbonization effort to convert CO2 into valuable products, driving a circular carbon economy. The initiative aims to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for manufacturing systems.
A new MXene-based Matthew membrane exhibits high K+-sieving performance with a K+/Na+ selectivity of up to about 9. The excellent performance is attributed to the recognition effect in the RL and fast transport of hydrated K+ through the EL.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to understand and improve light-harvesting molecules for solar energy applications. By combining AI with automated chemical synthesis and experimental validation, they were able to produce molecules four times more stable than traditional ones.
Researchers at Rice University developed a thermochromic material that outperforms existing varieties in terms of durability, transparency, and responsiveness. The new polymer blend significantly enhances energy efficiency for indoor space cooling, potentially reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.
A Japanese research team developed a new method for producing large-area nanosheets with exceptional electronic, optical, mechanical, and chemical properties. The 'spontaneous integrated transfer method' uses the spontaneous spreading phenomenon of wetted nanosheets to create uniform films in just one minute.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh receive a $251,981 DARPA award to design more effective underwater adhesives inspired by mussels. They aim to optimize molecular-level properties for strengthened underwater infrastructure and fluidic environments.
Researchers will create versatile and easy-to-integrate robots capable of intelligent grasping, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. The goal is to empower diverse workforces with robotic solutions, improving worker productivity and job opportunities.