Articles tagged with Composite Materials
Researchers at Rice University have successfully converted asphaltene, a byproduct of crude oil production, into turbostratic graphene using flash Joule heating. This process utilizes the existing material to create useful graphene for thermal, anti-corrosion and 3D-printing applications.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered genetic markers for autism, developed recyclable composites to drive the net-zero goal, and created a tool for real-time building evaluation. Additionally, they have made significant progress in growing hydrogen-storage crystals using a novel nano-reactor material.
Lehigh University researchers have developed a new fabrication method for high-entropy alloys that can operate in extreme temperatures. The process uses lower temperatures and a different reaction route to achieve a more homogenous microstructure, potentially leading to the development of more efficient materials for aerospace and indu...
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new self-healing composite that can repair itself in place without removal. The technology addresses two longstanding challenges, increasing the lifespan of structural components by up to 500%. This resolves limitations such as overheating and limited self-repair cycles.
A team of researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed an analytical tool to investigate the ordering of fluorine in lead titanium oxyfluoride. They used first-principles calculation to analyze experimental results and determined the element substitution positions, finding that fluorine atoms predominan...
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a new kind of wood-based degradable plastic with semi-structural strength, enabling the replacement of fossil-based materials in home construction and furnishing. The material can be broken down without harming the environment, allowing for recycling and reuse of fibers.
The researchers designed and fabricated three different paper-based metamaterials using their new technique, including a polarization converter, an absorber, and a conformal coding metasurface. These materials demonstrated unique properties such as high conductivity and radar cross-section reduction.
Researchers at Flinders University have created a new multi-functional material that can be used to purify water, as a recyclable construction material, and as a lightweight machine component for possible use in soft robotics. The material combines magnetic iron particles with a sulfur-rich polymer and can be moved remotely by a magnet.
Researchers from Rice University and European institutions developed a method to switch on and off topological states in a strongly correlated metal using magnetic fields. The strong electron interactions enable the material to be controlled, which could lead to new applications in sensor technology and electronics.
A newly developed composite sponge-based air filter has demonstrated strong potential for applications in automobiles and industry, with high efficiency in removing particulate matter under harsh conditions. The filter's unique design and materials ensure good structural stability and adaptability to various environments.
Researchers have created a biomimetic mineralized layer that replicates the structure of natural tooth enamel, exhibiting increased nanohardness and surpassing the natural tissue in terms of strength. The new material can be used to restore or repair damaged enamel due to abrasion, erosion, or improper diet.
Researchers have created composite 2D materials that are resistant to breaking and extremely stretchable, using biomimetic proteins patterned on squid ring teeth. The materials can be fine-tuned for unique thermal conduction regimes and strength properties.
Researchers have created a biodegradable seaweed-derived film that effectively absorbs sounds in the range of human voices, traffic, and music. The agar-based composite films outperform traditional acoustic foams in terms of sound-absorbing qualities.
A new biohybrid composite material demonstrates improved elasticity and fracture energy compared to existing zwitterionic materials, making it suitable for regenerative medicine applications. The material's biocompatibility allows it to recruit cells and support tissue regeneration.
A team of WVU researchers has developed a biodegradable composite material using cotton fibers from recycled mattresses, with the goal of replacing single-use plastics. The new material will be created through 3D printing and can be used to produce various consumer products, such as beverage straws and disposable packaging.
Researchers at the University of Utah designed composite materials using moiré patterns, resulting in abrupt transitions between electrical conductor and insulator properties. The study's findings have broad potential technological applications and demonstrate a new geometry-driven localization transition.
Researchers have developed a polymer composite binder that improves the performance of silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The binder, consisting of P-BIAN and PAA polymers, stabilizes the silicon particles and maintains a thin solid-electrolyte interface layer, resulting in improved discharge capacity and structural integrity.
Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a waterproof coating called Choetsu that adds strength to paper, making it a viable alternative to plastic. The coating, made from safe and low-cost chemicals, also has photocatalytic activity, protecting against dirt and bacteria.
Researchers developed a strong, water-resistant wood glue using glucose and citric acid for plywood. The adhesive meets China's standard requirement and is more energy-efficient than traditional adhesives.
Researchers are developing innovative ways to reuse automotive glass, crushing it into small pieces and purifying the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) for industrial use. This approach aims to reduce waste and conserve resources as the demand for automotive glass continues to grow.
Researchers at Ural Federal University improved the composition of borate glasses by adding heavy metal oxides, significantly increasing their density. The new glass samples showed good results as radiation shielding material in low and medium energy gamma radiation.
UCI engineers developed an adaptive composite material that regulates heat through reconfigurable metal structures. The material can be used in various applications, including temperature-controlled packages and cups, with potential benefits for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have adapted a plastination technique to strengthen bamboo and reduce its degradation rate, making it more environmentally friendly. The innovation has the potential to significantly reduce non-degradable waste in industries such as construction and packaging.
Developing a design tool for tailorable composites will benefit NASA and industries by shortening the design period and improving structural properties. The tool, created with Purdue-affiliated company AnalySwift, has applications in aerospace, energy, wind, automotive, marine, and other industries.
Wind turbine blades made from glass fibre-reinforced polymer can serve up to 25 years before ending up in landfills. Lithuanian researchers have proposed a method to break down these composites, extracting usable materials like phenol and fibre for reuse.
Researchers developed an indentation test to evaluate mechanical properties of sulfide solid electrolytes, crucial for all-solid-state lithium-ion secondary batteries. The method enabled accurate assessment in inert atmosphere, confirming superior mechanical properties of sulfide-type solid electrolytes.
Researchers found variations in carbon isotopes in younger kimberlites, suggesting the Cambrian Explosion affected the Earth's lower mantle. The study suggests that changes in marine sediments leave profound traces on the Earth's interior.
The researchers developed a power suit made of a layered carbon composite material that works as an energy-storing supercapacitor-battery hybrid device. This material could increase an electric car's range by 25% and boost its power, giving it the extra push it needs to go from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds.
Researchers created two types of hydrogenous-rich composites for shielding space radiation, which showed higher shielding abilities than traditional aluminum. The simulations also revealed that these new composites can reduce the mass needed for shielding by up to 77% when the thickness is larger than 10 g/cm².
Computer simulations reveal subtle changes in density near a stiff pillar cause a broader concentration of force than expected. The study's findings suggest that even small variations can significantly impact the properties of composite materials.
Researchers at MIT have engineered a composite made mostly from cellulose nanocrystals, which is stronger and tougher than some types of bone, and harder than typical aluminum alloys. The material has a unique brick-and-mortar microstructure that resembles nacre, making it resistant to cracks and plastic deformation.
Researchers at Virginia Tech created a soft robot that can change shape and return to its original configuration using a liquid metal composite. The material combines kirigami-inspired cuts with a metal endoskeleton embedded in rubber, allowing it to morph into different shapes and functions.
Researchers developed a data-guided combinatorial synthesis strategy and computational modeling to identify promising high entropy alloys for electrocatalysis. The method enables the exploration of atomic scale effects on catalytic activity, providing insights into composition-activity-stability trends.
A team of researchers found that the building blocks of Earth and Mars originated primarily from the inner Solar System, contradicting a popular theory. The study analyzed the isotopic composition of rocky planets and meteorites, revealing that only about 4% of the material came from beyond Jupiter's orbit.
Researchers designed a novel polymer to bind and strengthen silica sand for binder jet additive manufacturing, creating structures with intricate geometries and exceptional strength. The study demonstrates a 300-times-weight limit for a 3D-printed sand bridge.
Scientists at NTU Singapore develop a new electrochromic window material that can block up to 70% of infrared radiation while allowing 90% of visible light to pass through. The material is designed to be energy-efficient and durable, with improved performance compared to existing technologies.
Researchers created a laboratory to simulate comets in space-like conditions, measuring their properties and evolution. The CoPhyLab chamber allows scientists to compare samples and track gas evaporation and particle loss, providing insights into comet formation and solar system history.
Researchers developed a healable carbon fiber composite that can be repeatedly healed with heat, reversing fatigue damage. This material provides a way to break it down and recycle when it reaches the end of its life, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional thermosets.
Researchers at Skoltech and their colleagues have successfully created a magnetic material by 3D printing a gradient alloy from nonmagnetic powders. The resulting alloy exhibits ferromagnetic properties, opening up potential applications in machine engineering, such as electrical motors.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new synthesis process that increases the number of holes in p-type III-nitride semiconductor materials, leading to more efficient LEDs and lasers. This breakthrough could also help address the long-lasting problem called the 'green gap' in LED technology.
A new instrument at the Advanced Light Source enables simultaneous measurement of crystal structure and optical properties during perovskite synthesis. This allows for real-time monitoring of material quality and performance, leading to potentially more efficient solar cells.
Researchers developed a versatile composite fabric that can deactivate both biological threats like SARS-CoV-2 and chemical threats like chemical warfare. The material is also reusable and scalable.
Researchers have found a way to stabilize the novel quantum effect in graphene at room temperature, which could lead to breakthroughs in data storage and computer components. The discovery was made using standard microfabrication techniques and showed that the material can generate its own magnetic field.
Researchers investigated glass fiber-reinforced epoxy-based flat laminates with pultrusion, a fast and versatile composite manufacturing process. The study found significant promise for structural applications of these 'shape memory' composites in various industries.
Osaka University researchers have created an adhesive-free method to strongly combine copper foil with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), reducing transmission losses in electronic circuits. The heat-assisted plasma treatment technique improves adhesion strength without adding intermediate layers.
Researchers at IBS developed a novel composite material consisting of metal nanowires within an ultrathin rubber film. The float assembly method creates a monolayer of nanowires in the rubber film, resulting in excellent physical properties such as high stretchability and metal-like conductivity.
Researchers from Skoltech and KU Leuven used machine learning to reconstruct 3D micro-CT images of fibrous materials, overcoming the difficulties faced by humans in analyzing these complex materials. The team employed GANs to fill a gap in available inpainting tools, enabling precise material analysis and simulation.
Researchers at Skoltech developed a mathematical model for thermoplastic composite materials, reducing conservatism in strength calculations. The model allows for virtual testing of structures, minimizing manufacturing costs while ensuring safety and quality requirements.
Researchers developed a novel evidence-based material recommender system that predicts high entropy alloy formation without data descriptors, overcomes data bias and poor availability. The method recommends an FeMnCoNi alloy as the most probable HEA and successfully synthesizes it, confirming its validity.
Researchers from NUST MISIS and international partners create a radar-absorbing polymer composite with excellent magnetic and microwave properties. The composite can absorb 99.9% of incoming electromagnetic radiation, making it suitable for EMI shielding applications in industries such as 5G networks and radar absorbing coatings.
The NTU team created flexible UV light sensors that are 25 times more responsive and 330 times more sensitive than existing sensors. These sensors can be used in wearable devices to monitor personal UV exposure and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Physicist Trevor David Rhone is using artificial intelligence to accelerate materials discovery, exploring the vast number of potential materials candidates to identify those with novel properties. His approach aims to speed up the process and enable new applications for spintronics, data storage, and quantum computing.
Scientists developed a hydrogel composite with zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks that rapidly breaks down organophosphate-based nerve agents. The composite shows high catalytic activity and maintains its effectiveness even after storage.
Scientists have created movable, self-adjusting materials systems with complex shape changes that can be triggered by moisture. These systems mimic the movement mechanisms of the air potato plant and have produced their first prototype: a forearm brace that adapts to the wearer.
Researchers developed a scalable multilayer metafabric with exceptional passive radiative cooling functionality and excellent mechanical properties. The fabric can be easily produced through industrial manufacturing routes and demonstrates promising potential for widespread application.
Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design developed a novel approach to tailoring soft robots' mechanical properties. By integrating design optimisation and fabrication, they created customised robots that outperformed traditionally casted counterparts in swimming performance.
Researchers used AFM-IR, ToF-SIMS, and fluorescence microscopy to study bitumen surface composition and structure. The study found that the surface is heterogeneous, with individual molecular assemblies distributed in a specific pattern.
Scientists from Japan and China have discovered three previously unknown mechanisms of phase transition in soft materials, shedding light on the dynamics of solid-to-solid transformations. This research has diverse applications, including targeted drug delivery and development of new materials with tailored properties.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab design a nanoparticle composite that grows into 3D crystals, enabling faster production of electronic and optical devices. The discovery provides unprecedented control in fine-tuning nanolevel precision.