Composite Materials
Articles tagged with Composite Materials
Rice University students turn classroom project into publishable breakthrough in aerospace composites
Ultralight mesoscale carbon fiber lattices achieve aluminum-level performance at up to 1/100 the weight
Researchers developed a new class of ultralight structural materials with 3D node winding, achieving compressive strengths comparable to concrete and up to ten times stronger than conventional lattice structures at equal weight. The approach enables continuous load paths, reducing inactive material and improving system-level performance.
Hemp waste biocomposites offer a lower-carbon alternative for packaging and agricultural films
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.
Water-soluble cellulose adhesive enables strong, reusable bonding across extreme conditions
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.
Scientists develop scalable ultrastrong bamboo strips through revolutionary "homogeneous fusion" technique
Scientists developed a scalable ultrastrong bamboo strip through homogeneous fusion, achieving 942 MPa tensile strength and 32.1 GPa Young's modulus. The material demonstrates exceptional durability, biodegradability, and practical scalability for various industries.
Collaboration between ORNL, General Atomics to advance manufacturing for energy and security
The collaboration aims to improve manufacturing of silicon carbide ceramics, a strong material that can withstand high heat and radiation. Researchers will combine 3D printing and digital technologies to enhance production efficiency and reduce defects.
Engineers help rewrite the rules behind Europe’s skyscrapers and bridges
University of Warwick engineers led an international committee to update Eurocode 4, a standard for composite steel and concrete structures used in buildings and bridges. The updated standard introduces new guidance for modern construction techniques and advances the design of shear connections.
Hybrid ‘super foam’: tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable
Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.
Kumar named to ACMA Emerging Leaders Program for 2026
Vipin Kumar, a composites manufacturing researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been selected for the ACMA Emerging Leaders Program. The program develops future leaders in the composites industry through professional development and advocacy training.
New insights in metamaterials lead to better implants, robot hands, and bumpers
New insights from the University of Groningen reveal how the size and arrangement of building blocks affect the mechanical properties of metamaterials. This knowledge can be used to design safer, longer-lasting implants, robotic hands, and energy absorbers.
Dr. Barron Bichon promoted to vice president of SwRI’s Mechanical Engineering Division
Dr. Barron Bichon has been promoted to vice president of SwRI's Mechanical Engineering Division, overseeing a team of over 400 staff members. He will lead the division in advancing additive manufacturing and composite material bonding for defense and aerospace applications.
LIST tech wins "Oscars" of the composites world
LIST's patented infrared welding process enables rapid assembly of thick carbon-fibre-reinforced thermoplastic components, reducing weight, costs and environmental impact. The innovation is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 12.5 tonnes per wing rib.
A single plate captures multiple frequencies at once
Researchers developed a new 'frequency-multiplexed elastic metasurface' that can precisely direct elastic waves at distinct frequencies onto different locations, enhancing signal intensity by up to 48 times. This technology breaks the conventional belief that one structure can perform only one function.
Beyond small data limitations: Transfer learning-enabled framework for predicting mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites
Researchers developed a transfer learning-enabled framework to predict mechanical properties of particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites. The model achieves high predictive accuracy, addressing the challenges of limited data availability in traditional machine learning algorithms.
Cool satellites and flexible electronics
Researchers at Empa's Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures laboratory are working to improve the insulation material used in satellites and space probes. They have developed a new intermediate layer that makes the material more elastic and resistant to cracks and flaking, enabling better superinsulation for future satellites.
Study: Composite metal foam could lead to safer hazmat transportation
Researchers develop composite metal foam that can withstand tremendous force at lower weight than solid steel, raising the possibility of creating safer tanker cars for transporting hazardous materials. The finding is validated through computational modeling and experimental testing.
Halide perovskite volatile unipolar Nanomemristor
Researchers have developed a halide perovskite volatile unipolar nanomemristor that achieves energy-efficient switching with minimal power consumption. The device uses a monocrystal nanocube with chemical composition CsPbBr3, placed between chemically inert contacts, to enable fast computation and readable memory states.
New ‘liquid metal’ composite material enables recyclable, flexible and reconfigurable electronics
A new composite material made from a recyclable polymer infused with microscopic droplets of liquid metal alloy can be broken down through a simple chemical process, freeing the metal for reuse. The material also has self-healing properties, allowing it to be cut, rearranged, and bonded back together using only heat and pressure.
New AI platform allows users to design and analyze composite materials, structures
CompositesAI helps users create and analyze composite products without requiring in-depth technical knowledge. The platform is initially focused on rotor blades for air mobility, helicopters, and wind turbines, but its uses will expand to handle other composite structures.
Bio-based nanocellulose aerogels offer sustainable thermal insulation with fire safety
Researchers develop multifunctional aerogels combining thermal insulation, flame retardancy, and mechanical robustness using bio-based nanocellulose. The resulting aerogels exhibit low thermal conductivity, high flame resistance, and impressive strength and flexibility.
Uncovering the Fundamental Mechanisms Behind Toughening of Soft–Hard Composites
A minimal three-dimensional model successfully reproduced hallmark behaviors of tough composite materials, including mechanical hysteresis and sacrificial bond-driven toughening. The team discovered that optimal toughening occurs at a specific ratio of soft to hard components, governed by a universal scaling relationship.
Breakthrough smart plastic: Self-healing, shape-shifting, and stronger than steel
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a smart plastic that can self-heal and adapt to extreme conditions, making it ideal for aerospace and automotive applications. The material's unique properties allow it to restore its shape after deformation, improve vehicle safety, and reduce environmental waste.
Spin-free “cork-skin” fibers turn mulberry bark into antibacterial, recyclable textiles
Scientists have developed high-performance textile fibers from invasive paper-mulberry bark using a simple, scalable route. The coated fibers exhibit excellent tensile strength and antimicrobial properties, outperforming traditional materials like cotton.
UC Irvine-led team uncovers cell structures that squids use to change their appearance
A UC Irvine-led team has developed a multispectral composite material with adjustable visible and infrared properties, inspired by the structures found in squid skin cells. The material can dynamically adjust its color and reflectivity in response to environmental or mechanical stimuli.
'Skin-like' electronic material created by researchers
Researchers at DTU developed a new electronic material that behaves like human skin, offering self-healing and adaptive properties. The material can stretch up to six times its original length, regulate heat, and detect environmental factors, making it suitable for wearable devices, soft robotics, and healthcare applications.
AI shortens the development time of new materials
An AI model developed by Ehsan Ghane at the University of Gothenburg can predict the durability and strength of woven composite materials, reducing development time. The model integrates material laws to make extrapolations outside training data, enabling better understanding of material behavior.
Study finds that individual layers of synthetic materials can collaborate for greater impact
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.
Multiscale fibrous reinforcements yield high-performance construction composite
A novel construction material FHPRC boasts excellent mechanical properties and is suitable for super-high-rise structures. The research optimizes tensile behavior by combining UHPC with high ductility and crack control capacity of engineered cementitious composite.
UT, Volkswagen Group of America celebrate research partnership
The University of Tennessee and Volkswagen Group of America have partnered on strategic research projects accelerating technology discovery and commercialization. The two have collaborated on lighter composites, high-power wireless charging and material upcycling, influencing Volkswagen brands globally.
“Petrificus totalus!” — 3D-printed hydrogel switches from kPa-Soft to GPa-hard on command
Researchers at Zhejiang University developed a novel 3D-printed hydrogel that can easily switch its Young's modulus from kPa to GPa through on-demand crystallization. The hydrogel exhibits a hardness of 86.5 Shore D and a Young's modulus of 1.2 GPa, surpassing current 3D-printed hydrogels.
Dongguk University researchers advance lithium-ion battery technology with hybrid anode material
Dongguk University researchers have developed a hybrid anode material for lithium-ion batteries, demonstrating exceptional performance and cycling stability. The innovative composite combines reduced graphene oxide with nickel-iron layered double hydroxides, resulting in a high specific capacity of 1687.6 mA h g−1.
USTC prepares scalable shapable nacre-like ceramic-metal composites
A research team at USTC has created a new strategy to prepare nacre-like ceramets using deformable alumina microspheres coated with nickel salt. The material exhibits excellent bending strength and fracture toughness, and can be mass-produced in various shapes through simple techniques.
NTU Singapore scientists create ‘fungi tiles’ with elephant skin texture to cool buildings
Researchers develop sustainable passive cooling solution using mycelium-bound composites, outperforming conventional insulation materials in tropical climates. The 'fungi tiles' mimic an elephant's ability to regulate heat from its skin, improving cooling rates and thermal conductivity.
Researchers develop highly robust, reconfigurable, and mechanochromic cellulose photonic hydrogels
The study introduces a new way to apply cellulose nanocrystals, resulting in high-strength, reconfigurable, and mechanochromic hydrogels with improved mechanical properties and dynamic color-changing abilities. These materials have potential uses in sustainable bioplastics, flexible electronic substrates, and smart photonic devices.
Non-destructive image sensor goes beyond bulkiness
Researchers at Chuo University developed a non-destructive image sensor with a freely coatable and paintable design for functional photo-thermal modules. The new design enables the full utilization of photo-thermoelectric (PTE) sensors, overcoming trade-off trends between photo-absorptance values and Seebeck coefficients.
Toward high electro-optic performance in III-V semiconductors
New research at UC Santa Barbara illuminates a path to superior electro-optic performance in AlScN alloys by adjusting atomic structure and composition. The study found that precisely oriented layer structures and strain tuning can yield significant enhancements in electro-optic properties, potentially surpassing those of lithium niobate.
Rice-led study finds 2D carbon material is 8 times tougher than graphene, resists cracking
Researchers at Rice University have created a new 2D carbon material that is eight times tougher than graphene, according to a recent study. The material, known as monolayer amorphous carbon (MAC), incorporates both crystalline and amorphous regions, giving it unique toughness.
The enduring legacy of papermaking in modern materials science
Ancient papermaking techniques have evolved to inspire the development of novel materials with exceptional properties. The principles of disassembly, refinement, and reassembly promote rapid dewatering and effective filtration, contributing to high productivity in sustainable materials production.
Advancing surgical sutures: The promise of cellulose-based materials
Researchers have made significant advancements in cellulose-based sutures, showcasing their potential as sustainable alternatives for wound closure and healing. The new materials demonstrate non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength, with nanocellulose showing particular promise due to its high strength and flexibility.
Focal volume optics for composite structuring in transparent solids
Researchers propose a novel strategy for highly controllable micro-nano fabrication using focal volume optics in transparent solids. The approach enables the creation of composite structures with finer structures and tunable properties, opening up new avenues for photonics and nanophotonics applications.
Liquid-based confined interface materials
These materials integrate liquids within solid frameworks at the mesoscale, driven by competitive interfacial interactions. They demonstrate dynamic responsiveness leveraging force, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and sound, and exhibit practical functionalities including anti-fouling and multiphase flow control.
Innovative 3D printed scaffolds offer new hope for bone healing
Researchers developed novel 3D printed PLA-CaP scaffolds that support angiogenesis, reducing bone scarring and improving healing outcomes. In vitro tests showed stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor secretion and maintained calcium ion release, while in vivo testing demonstrated good integration and blood vessel infiltration.
Steel yourselves: Quicker, better processing for strong plastics
Researchers have developed new approaches to enhance the processability of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a strong and impact-resistant plastic. The methods, which include active site engineering, chain transfer agents, and blending with high-density polyethylene, can improve the material's properties without sacrificing its...
Rethinking the brain pacemaker: How better materials can improve signals
Researchers developed nanocomposites that effectively reduce noise and improve signal transmission for brain pacemakers. The materials use a combination of graphene and clay to absorb and disperse energy, reducing the impact of external electrical fields on patients.
Research progress on SiCf/SiC composites and their cladding components
Researchers have compiled a comprehensive review of SiCf/SiC composites, highlighting advancements in preparation processes, material properties, and performance under extreme conditions. The review emphasizes the need for further innovation in preparation processes to enhance the materials' long-term use in nuclear reactors.
New Queen Mary spinout Syntex secures £250k to develop invention for superior synthetic heart valves
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have developed a new material that creates synthetic heart valves as effective as native ones. The innovative material, created by Dr Roberto Volpe, has anisotropic properties that mimic natural tissue and can be fine-tuned for rigidity and flexibility.
AnalySwift receives NASA STTR contract to transform spacecraft infrastructure for secondary uses during long-duration missions
AnalySwift will develop a composite heater layer for trusses and other infrastructure, enabling the reconfiguration of structural elements in space. The company's software tool will simulate multiphysics modeling and analysis of thermoplastics.
A stiff material that stops vibrations and noise
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a material that combines stiffness and damping properties, making it suitable for various applications. The new composite material features layers of stiff materials connected by ultra-thin rubber-like layers, resulting in excellent vibration-damping performance.
Unveiling the future of sustainable materials: cellulose-MXene composites
The integration of MXene with cellulose creates a material with enhanced photothermal, electrothermal, biocidal, and piezoelectric characteristics. The composite showcases remarkable pressure sensitivity, efficient electromagnetic interference shielding, and superior antibacterial activity.
Sustainable solutions: The rise of cellulose in water remediation
The review highlights the potential of cellulose-based materials in purifying wastewater without causing environmental harm. Cellulose can be converted into valuable products like hydrogels, aerogels, and nanocellulose for sustainable water remediation.
Squid-inspired fabric for temperature-controlled clothing
Researchers developed a heat-adjusting material inspired by squid skin, allowing for user-adjusted warmth and breathability. The fabric is breathable, washable, and can be integrated into flexible clothing, making it suitable for cold weather applications.
NIH awards ADA Forsyth over $6 million to design AI-driven amalgam replacement for dental restoratives
The ADA Forsyth Institute has received a $6.2 million grant from the NIH to design an AI-driven amalgam replacement for dental restoratives. The new material will feature self-healing and antimicrobial properties, responding to biological signals in each individual patient's mouth.
Ultrasound technology accelerates drying of renewable cellulose nanocrystals
A novel multi-frequency ultrasonic drying technology accelerates the drying of renewable cellulose nanocrystals by up to 50% while minimizing energy consumption. This method demonstrates superior stability in aqueous solutions and aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
World’s strongest battery paves way for light, energy-efficient vehicles
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.
Alternatives in car and aircraft construction: New joining and additive manufacturing processes allow adhesive-free joining of wood and metal
Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed two techniques to join wood with metals and polymer composites without adhesives or screws. The AddJoining technique uses 3D printing to create strong joints, while the Ultrasonic Joining method employs high-frequency vibration to melt polymer into wood pores. These methods show pr...
Researchers discover smarter way to recycle polyurethane
A research team from Aarhus University has found a method to recycle polyurethane foam into its original components, polyol and isocyanate. The new process recovers up to 82 weight percent of the material, making it possible to reuse them as raw materials in new PUR products.
From shrimp to steel: Introducing nature-inspired metalworking
Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have developed a novel approach to metalworking using chitinous colloids and composites. By leveraging the affinity between chitin and metals, they created functional metallic structures without high temperatures or pressures.
Fast and accurate composite laminate analysis through “Lego-like” construction
Researchers developed a technique that leverages component-based reduced order modeling to analyze composite laminates. The 'Lego-like' construction method offers improved speed and accuracy, making it a viable alternative to traditional finite-element analysis.
A blueprint for building the future: Eco-friendly 3D concrete printing
A UVA research team introduces a game-changing additive to 3D-printed concrete, enhancing its printability and mechanical properties. The study demonstrates the potential for more resilient and eco-friendly construction practices using cellulose nanofibrils.