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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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

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.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 5, 2024

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.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

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.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

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...

SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

New soft multifunctional sensors mark a step forward for physical AI

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University's PAI Lab developed groundbreaking multifunctional material-sensors that emulate natural systems, advancing Physical AI. The sensors can process diverse signals concurrently through ions and electrons, enabling versatile and lifelike interactions in fields like robotics and healthcare.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

Compositional and hollow engineering of silicon carbide/carbon microspheres as high-performance microwave absorbing materials with good environmental tolerance

The research develops composite microspheres with a hollow structure, enhancing microwave absorption performance and stability in extreme environments. The results show that SiC/C composite materials demonstrate outstanding wave absorption and radar stealth performance, unaffected by temperature and environmental conditions.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Biobased building materials less sustainable than concrete in South Africa, experts find

Researchers found that mycelium composites, made from fungi and agricultural residues, can have a greater environmental impact than conventional fossil-fuel-based materials in countries like South Africa. The technology's overall potential damage on the environment can be mitigated by incorporating alternative energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

A new Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China study unveils strategy for improving mechanical properties of aluminum composites

A new study from China reveals a novel strategy for enhancing the strength-ductility synergy of particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites. The approach involves regulating the heterostructure of the matrix grain and particle distribution to achieve a balance between strength and ductility.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalTransactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

New data-driven model rapidly predicts dehydrogenation barriers in solid-state materials

Researchers developed a groundbreaking data-driven model to predict dehydrogenation barriers of magnesium hydride, a promising material for solid-state hydrogen storage. The model offers a faster, more efficient way to assess the performance of hydrogen storage materials, bridging the knowledge gap left by experimental techniques.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 17, 2024

What fire ants can teach us about making better, self-healing materials

A Binghamton University professor investigates the adaptive response of fire ant rafts to mechanical load, discovering that they exhibit catch bond behavior under force, which enhances cohesion for survival. This phenomenon is being explored to develop artificial materials with autonomous self-strengthening properties.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Innovation promises to prevent power pole-top fires

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new silicone rubber composite material that can prevent fires and electrical sparking on power poles. This innovation could save power companies time and resources by reducing damage to assets.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Composites and Hybrid Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Stretchable quantum dot display

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science created QLEDs using a ternary nanocomposite film that enhances carrier delivery to quantum dots, resulting in optimal device performance. The devices exhibit high brightness and low threshold voltage, with no damage when stretched up to 1.5 times.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Rice husk can be used as a promising sustainable packaging material

Researchers have developed a biodegradable chitosan-based composite film reinforced with lignin-rich nanofibers extracted from rice husks, reducing waste and promoting circular economy practices. The material showcases improved strength, durability, and unique properties like UV-blocking capabilities.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Novel design enhance thermal insulation and impact resistance in composite glass

A new composite glass material has been developed by combining a nacre-inspired structure with shear stiffening gel, exhibiting excellent thermal insulation and impact resistance. The material offers improved transparency, lightweight properties, and enhanced comprehensive performance compared to traditional bulk glass.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 18, 2024

New process allows full recovery of starting materials from tough polymer composites

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a closed-loop recycling technology for synthesizing and recovering exceptionally tough carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers. The innovative approach enables full recovery of starting materials, accelerating the development of sustainable lightweight materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

A positive spin—electrospinning and electrospraying synergism for the nanomaterials industry

The electrospinning and electrospraying synergism (ESS) technology has the potential to revolutionize various sectors such as bioengineering, textile technology, medical treatment, and energy conversion. By combining these two twin-tech methods, researchers can create complex structures with unique properties.

Researchers overview recent progress and challenges in silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have made significant advancements in silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, including the development of binders, composites, and electrolytes. However, Si-based anodes still face challenges such as volume expansion, lower electrical conductivity, and inconsistent kinetics reaction.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 31, 2024

Understanding the dynamic behavior of rubber materials

A team of researchers has developed a novel experimental system to simultaneously measure the mechanical properties and internal structure of rubber-like materials. The study found that strain within these materials is non-uniform, depending on the shape and size of composite particles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

3D-printed plasmonic plastic enables large-scale optical sensor production

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed 3D-printed plasmonic plastic, enabling the mass production of optical sensors that can detect hydrogen gas. The composite material has unique optical properties, allowing it to filter out molecules except hydrogen, making it ideal for various applications.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·TypeNews article·DateSep 28, 2023

New epoxy resin resists flames and reduces waste

Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a fully recyclable, flame-retardant epoxy resin-based plastic. The new material retains excellent thermomechanical properties while being reshaped like a thermoplast due to the addition of a special phosphonate ester molecule.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Researchers create edible, transparent composite packaging with biocellulose

Scientists at The Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed an edible, transparent, and biodegradable material for food packaging using bacterial cellulose. The material has high tensile strength, versatility, and can be produced through microbial fermentation, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2023

UCR team creates “quantum composites” for various electrical and optical innovations

Researchers at UCR created quantum composites that exhibit functionality at a wide range of temperatures, offering potential applications in electronics, energy storage, and reflective coatings. The materials showed an unusually high ability to store electricity, with increased dielectric constant values.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

Channeling mechanical energy in a preferred direction

Researchers at RIKEN have created a composite material that can channel mechanical energy in one direction but not the other, allowing for efficient use of random vibrations. This property is essential for various biological functions and has potential applications in electronics, photonics, magnetism, and sound.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023