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Cheaper, easier detection of metal corrosion

A new corrosion detection algorithm uses just three spectral bands and a texture feature to accurately detect surface and subsurface corrosion on metal surfaces. The algorithm achieved accuracies above 90% in detecting corrosion across various coatings and colors, offering a cost-effective and safe solution for monitoring metal integrity.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateAug 25, 2026

UVA Engineering’s John Scully named one of SURA’s two 2026 Distinguished Scientist Award recipients

John Scully, a renowned materials scientist, has been recognized with the SURA Distinguished Scientist Award for his groundbreaking work on corrosion research. His contributions have led to significant advancements in understanding materials degradation in harsh environments, impacting human health and national defense.

New nanocomposite coating achieves 98% corrosion protection for stainless steel

Researchers developed a nanocomposite coating that improves stainless steel's resistance to highly acidic conditions, offering a potential solution for industries with metal equipment exposed to aggressive chemicals. The coating delivered up to 98.2% corrosion inhibition efficiency and remained stable over seven days of immersion.

SourceSultan Qaboos University·JournalSultan Qaboos University Journal for Science [SQUJS]·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

Novel reactive ink prints as everlasting copper

Researchers developed a liquid reactive ink that can print copper onto surfaces without oxidation or corrosion, enabling faster, cheaper, and more sustainable electronic production. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the conductive ink industry by replacing expensive metals with copper.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2026

Aging reshapes the electron transfer behavior of pyrogenic carbon in soils and environments

Research reveals that aging significantly alters the electron transfer behavior of pyrogenic carbon in soils and environments, with some materials becoming more electron-conductive while others become less so. These changes can influence nutrient cycling, pollutant degradation, and microbial processes in environmental systems.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2026

A JBNU–KIMS collaborative study on a cost-effective alloy matches superalloys for power plants and energy infrastructure

Scientists develop corrosion-resistant alumina-forming ferritic alloys that exhibit outstanding mechanical properties and oxidation resistance, potentially transforming energy systems and nuclear reactors. These materials offer economic feasibility while maintaining high reliability and could accelerate adoption in practical applications.

A faster, cheaper way to restore stainless steel’s corrosion resistance

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new approach to restore stainless steel's corrosion resistance using ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification. By equalizing chromium concentration in depleted regions, the treatment restored corrosion resistance without heat treatment. This breakthrough could lead to m...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions A·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025

Anti-fatberg invention could help unclog city sewers

Engineers from RMIT University have invented a protective coating for concrete pipes that can help drastically reduce the formation of fatbergs in sewers. The coating reduces build-up of FOG on concrete by 30% and is stable in water, withstanding temperatures up to 850 degrees Celsius.

SourceRMIT University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

Physical and chemical properties of boiled oil: A traditional method of extracting oil from boiled olive fruits

Researchers found that bubbling olive products before oil extraction decreases oil quality. The study measured absolute phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and acidity levels in bubbled oil (BO) compared to virgin olive oil (VOO). BO had lower antioxidant properties and higher acidity levels than VOO.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Agriculture Journal·DateMay 30, 2024

Hidden threat: Global underground infrastructure vulnerable to sea-level rise

A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers highlights the hidden threat of global underground infrastructure vulnerability to sea-level rise. Shallow and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations in cities worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalAnnual Review of Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 15, 2024

Groundbreaking discovery enables cost-effective and eco-friendly green hydrogen production

A new bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst made from ruthenium, silicon, and tungsten enables the efficient production of high-purity green hydrogen. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional durability in acidic environments, making it an attractive alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts.

α-Al2O3 protective layer that sticks to metal surface with functions of an anchor and peg

Researchers have developed a compact α-Al2O3 protective layer that can stick to metal surfaces, providing outstanding protection in high-temperature liquid metal environments. The layer's unique structure and properties promote adhesion strength and resist peeling, making it an innovative solution for extending the service life of liqu...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalSurface and Coatings Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023

Microbial corrosion of iron

Researchers found that bacteria with electrically conductive protein threads can corrode iron anaerobically, producing magnetite that facilitates further corrosion. The discovery has significant implications for corrosion protection and suggests taking material properties into consideration.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Chloride ions from seawater eyed as possible lithium replacement in batteries of the future

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers improve the solubility of redox molecules for enhanced energy storage systems

Researchers from GIST have developed a hydrotropic-supporting electrolyte to enhance the solubility of organic redox molecules in aqueous systems. This improvement enables the creation of high-energy-density electrochemical capacitors with potential applications in redox flow batteries.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Regulations reducing lead and copper contamination in drinking water generate $9 billion of health benefits per year according to new analysis

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health estimates that regulations reducing lead and copper contamination in drinking water generate $9.2 billion in health benefits annually, exceeding the EPA's public estimates by an order of magnitude. The analysis also reveals at least $2 billion in infrastructure benefits, bringi...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateMay 9, 2023

Researchers team up with national lab for innovative look at copper reactions

A team of researchers at Binghamton University partnered with Brookhaven National Laboratory to investigate copper oxide peroxides and their effects on oxidation reactions. They used two spectroscopy methods to observe changes in the surface of copper oxide and found that peroxides enhance H2 oxidation but inhibit CO oxidation.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023

Uncovering the secrets of electron-eating microorganisms

Researchers at Aarhus University are studying electro-trophic microorganisms that convert green electricity and CO2 into high-value products. The project aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of these microbes, which could lead to breakthroughs in microbiological Power-to-X and novel tools for microbial corrosion prevention.

Reducing steel corrosion vital to combating climate change

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers estimated that global steel production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with corroded steel replacement accounting for up to 4% of total emissions. Reducing steel corrosion could have a measurable impact on reducing greenhouse gases produced during steel production.

SourceOhio State University·Journalnpj Materials Degradation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 24, 2023

New UCF-developed battery could prevent post-hurricane electric vehicle fires

The UCF-developed battery uses saltwater as an electrolyte, eliminating volatile solvents and overcoming limitations of previous aqueous batteries. The novel design allows for fast charging in just three minutes and increased stability, making it a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

Researchers analyze performance of bacterium in combating coffee rust

A study analyzed the potential of a bacterium to combat coffee rust, a major challenge for Brazilian coffee growers. The researchers found that the bacterium produces antibacterial and antifungal compounds, as well as proteins associated with protection against water stress, making it a promising candidate for biological control.

Bariatric surgery decreases risk of heart disease

A Rutgers study of 86,964 adults with obesity and NAFLD found that bariatric surgery reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 49% compared to nonsurgical care. This is significant because heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US, and NAFLD can lead to liver damage and inflammation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

Story tips: Reducing molten salt’s corrosive effect. VERIFI-ing and tracking carbon’s big footprint. Moss genome study identifies two new species. Ultrasound for battery health

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed low-temperature methods to purify molten chloride salts for energy storage, potentially making them suitable for storing solar thermal energy. They also created an online tool called VERIFI to track industrial carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 6, 2022