New strategy produces stronger polymers
MIT researchers found a way to reduce loops in polymer networks, which weaken materials, by slowly adding components. This technique can improve material strength by up to 600 percent.
Composite Materials
Articles tagged with Composite Materials
New 3-D printing method creates shape-shifting objects
Researchers have developed a new 3D printing method that allows for the creation of objects with permanent shape-shifting capabilities. The method uses shape memory polymers and can achieve significant time and material savings.
4-D printing gets simpler and faster
A research team introduced a new approach to simplify and increase the potential of 4D printing, which allows high-resolution components to be designed, printed, and transformed into new permanent configurations using heat. This method saves time and materials by up to 90% and completely eliminates the mechanical programming process.
Scientists created nanopowders for the synthesis of new aluminum alloys
Researchers developed a new technology using nanopowders to modify aluminum alloys, improving operational properties and reducing energy costs. The innovative method has the potential to transform the metallurgy industry, with key customers including major producers of primary aluminum.
Unexpected, star-spangled find may lead to advanced electronics
Scientists have found a material that undergoes an unexpected phase transition when heated to 450 degrees Celsius, transforming into one-dimensional nanowires with potential for next-generation electronic devices. The discovery could lead to powerful energy-efficient devices and smaller transistor sizes.
Scientists created nanopowders for the synthesis of new aluminum alloys
Researchers develop technology to produce special nanopowders used as modifying additives in aluminum alloy production. The new method improves operational properties and reduces energy costs, targeting metallurgy and machinery industries.
Silk sensor could speed development of new infrastructure, aerospace & consumer materials
Researchers have created a nanoscale damage-sensing probe that can be embedded into lightweight composites made of epoxy and silk. The probe uses a dye that changes color in response to applied force, allowing for the detection of even minor breaks and fissures within the composite material.
Graphene from soybeans
Graphene, a carbon material one atom thick, has been made more commercially viable thanks to the humble soybean. The novel GraphAir technology eliminates the need for high-controlled environments and expensive equipment, reducing production time and cost.
How to decrease the mass of aircrafts
Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed polymer matrices capable of replacing aluminum and titanium in aircraft parts. The new materials possess higher strength than metals, decreasing the mass of aircraft parts that operate at high temperatures.
Record-breaking material that contracts when heated
Nagoya University researchers have developed a new class of composite materials with negative thermal expansion, offering potential solutions for industrial applications. The reduced ruthenate ceramic material shrinks by up to 6.7% when heated, making it more than double the current record-holding material.
Researchers in Kiel can control adhesive material remotely with light
Scientists developed a bioinspired adhesive material that can be controlled remotely by UV light, transporting micro-objects with high precision. The material consists of mushroom-shaped adhesive microstructures and elastic porous material, allowing for reversible control and detachment.
One step closer to reality: Devices that convert heat into electricity
A team of researchers at Ohio State University has developed a device that converts waste heat into electricity, producing a voltage output 10 times higher than previous results. The innovation uses a composite material of nickel and platinum to amplify the voltage output through magnetism.
Health diagnosis through bio-signal measuring electrodes on IoT devices
Researchers developed bio-signal measuring electrodes that can be mounted on IoT devices, allowing for easy health diagnosis without additional equipment. The electrodes can measure brain waves, electrocardiograms, and other biological signals, and are expected to be applicable to medical fields.
'Nanoparticle taxicab' materials can identify, collect and transport debris on surfaces
Researchers at UMass Amherst developed polymer-stabilized droplet carriers that can recognize and encapsulate nanoparticles for transport in a cell. These 'nanoparticle taxicabs' pick up particles on one surface and drop them off on another, representing the first successful translation of biological processes in materials science.
Making a new pitch for coal
Researchers are working on a $1.6 million project to create a new use for coal, turning it into a carbon-fiber material that could help revitalize struggling coal communities. The process produces substantially less CO2 than traditional methods.
3-D-printed structures shrink when heated
Researchers at MIT have created tiny, star-shaped structures that shrink in size when heated to 540 degrees Fahrenheit. The structures, made from interconnected beams with different thermal expansion coefficients, exhibit negative thermal expansion and may enable applications in heat-resistant circuit boards.
Ames Laboratory scientists gain insight on mechanism of unconventional superconductivity
Ames Laboratory scientists investigated the properties of iron-based superconducting materials, finding that transition temperature and magnetic field penetration depth depend on composition and disorder. The study provides new knowledge on unconventional superconductivity and will aid in discovering high-temperature superconductors.
Novel 3-in-1 'Rheo-Raman' microscope enables interconnected studies of soft materials
The novel 'Rheo-Raman' microscope allows for interconnected studies of soft materials by correlating their microstructure, composition, and flow behavior. This enables the understanding of how structural make-up dictates macroscopic properties like strength, hardness, or electrical conductivity.
New perovskite research discoveries may lead to solar cell, LED advances
Recent perovskite research by Ames Laboratory scientist Javier Vela reveals enhanced thermal and moisture stability, as well as tunable light absorption, in mixed-halide perovskites. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient solar cells and LEDs.
Shining a light on damage within polymers
Researchers develop a simple, single-component fluorescence system that glows in response to microscopic damage, allowing for early detection. The method works for various materials and types of damage, including small cuts, and could reduce inspection costs.
Borrowing from pastry chefs, engineers create nanolayered composites
Researchers at MIT develop a method to stack hundreds of nanoscale layers, producing strong and conductive composites. The technique, inspired by pastry-making, enables the creation of materials with tailored properties for various applications.
Navy grant fuels efforts to improve safety, reduce manufacturing costs of aircraft parts
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a Navy grant to develop new methods for testing composite materials used in aircraft parts. The project aims to predict defect formation and improve manufacturing processes, reducing costs and enhancing safety.
Researchers at the UPV/EHU characterize the materials of Punta Begoña Galleries
The study characterizes the materials used to build the galleries and analyzes their deterioration, providing valuable insights for future reconstruction decisions. The main components of mortars include calcite and gypsum, with alite and belite also detected in clinker-based Portland cement.
Nanoscientists develop the 'ultimate discovery tool'
A Northwestern University research team has developed a tool to rapidly test millions of nanoparticles at once, similar to gene chips in biology. The combinatorial library approach enables scientists to quickly identify the best nanoparticle size and composition for various applications.
The complex material engineering of NASA's Webb Telescope sunshield
The sunshield consists of five layers of Kapton material, each coated with aluminum and doped-silicon for optimal thermal insulation. The unique kite-like shape and precise layer separation direct heat away from the optics, allowing the telescope to reach required temperatures.
Discovery of gold nanocluster 'double' hints at other shape changing particles
Researchers discovered two unique structures for gold nanocluster Au144(SR)60, a previously known material, using advanced data analytics. This finding suggests the existence of polymorphic nanoparticles with different properties.
Mantis shrimp inspires next generation of ultra-strong materials
Researchers develop novel herringbone structure in dactyl club, enabling incredible damage to prey while resisting fracture. The unique structure is composed of crystalline calcium phosphate and chitin fibers, offering a new pathway to create ultra-strong composite materials.
Graphene makes rubber more rubbery
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a composite material that combines graphene with natural rubber and polyurethane, resulting in increased strength and elasticity by up to 50%. The added graphene enhances the materials' ability to stretch and withstand force without breaking.
UNIST welcomes Korean branch of Fraunhofer Research Group
UNIST partners with Fraunhofer ICT to develop composite materials for eco-friendly vehicles. The new project center will focus on full industrial-scale trials and take UNIST to the forefront of automotive innovation.
Speedy bridge repair
A team of researchers led by Chris Pantelides developed a new process to repair earthquake-damaged bridge columns in just a few days. The process uses concrete donuts lined with composite fiber material and can be used on not only bridges but also damaged columns around buildings.
Professor Philippe Dubois is awarded an FNR PEARL Chair
Professor Philippe Dubois has been awarded an FNR PEARL Chair to develop new sustainable composite materials from renewable resources. His goal is to replace fossil carbon with bio-composites, targeting applications in automotive and aerospace sectors.
NASA awards UTARI researcher $1 million to develop better models for rotor spar fatigue
UTARI researcher Endel Iarve will lead a three-year project to predict the strength and life of rotor blade assemblies using discrete damage modeling. The goal is to extend advanced computational techniques to larger aircraft structures, improving life prediction in rotorcraft structures.
Study finds metal foam handles heat better than steel
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel light-weight composite metal foam that effectively insulates against high heat. The finding has significant implications for storing and transporting nuclear material, hazardous materials, explosives, and other heat-sensitive materials.
Mix and match MOF
A team of scientists has created a composite material that can selectively separate oxygen from other gases, potentially revolutionizing energy applications such as fuel cells. The new material, made by combining a MOF with a helper molecule, shows promise for being inexpensive, reusable, and easy to prepare.
Carbon nanotubes improve metal's longevity under radiation
Researchers have found that adding carbon nanotubes to aluminum can slow down the breakdown process caused by radiation exposure, allowing it to last longer. The new material has been shown to retain its strength and resilience even after prolonged irradiation, with reduced embrittlement and pores.
Researchers tune mechanical properties of radiation-sensitive material for biomedical use
The composite material emits light and heat when exposed to specific wavelengths of radiation and can be customized to have specific mechanical characteristics. It holds promise for biomedical imaging, drug delivery, and therapeutic treatments.
New material to enhance battery life
Scientists at MSU have created a new cathode material for Li-ion batteries that can enhance charge rates drastically. The material demonstrated high charge/discharge rates while retaining over 75% of initial capacity, making it a promising contender for commercialized high-power cathode materials.
New synthesis method developed at UEF opens up new possibilities for Li-ion batteries
Researchers at UEF have developed a new synthesis method for Li-ion batteries, which uses readily available materials, is safe to dispose of, and has significantly longer cycle lifetimes. The new method solves the low electric conductivity problem, promising applications in fast-charging electric buses and high-power hybrid vehicles.
Cornell researchers create first self-assembled superconductor
A multidisciplinary team at Cornell has created a three-dimensional gyroidal superconductor made of niobium nitride, which could lead to novel property profiles and transition temperatures. The breakthrough was achieved using organic block copolymers and involves heating, cooling, and reheating the material.
Lipoprotein nanoplatelets shed new light on biological molecules and cells
Researchers developed lipoprotein nanoplatelets with unique properties, rapidly taken up by cells and retaining fluorescence. These particles may enable single-molecule imaging and track metastatic cancer cells, revealing new insights into biological systems.
New acoustic technique reveals structural information in nanoscale materials
Researchers have developed a new nondestructive technique to study phase transitions at the nanoscale, revealing insights into ferroelectric materials. This approach uses acoustic response to detect changes in material behavior and can guide efforts to design next-generation materials with enhanced properties.
Liquid acoustics half way to the Earth's core
Researchers extend catalogue of material properties with first liquid measurements under extreme conditions. The study suggests that only about 1.2% of the core is carbon, with other light elements present.
Biomimetic dental prosthesis
A team of ETH Zurich researchers has created a biomimetic dental prosthesis that replicates the structure and properties of teeth and seashells. The material, produced using magnetically assisted slip casting, exhibits improved durability and complexity, with potential applications in dentistry and beyond.
Printing lightweight, flexible, and functional materials
Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created a new multimaterial printhead that enables the simultaneous control of composition and geometry during printing, paving the way for entirely 3D-printed wearable devices, soft robots, and electronics.
Water heals a bioplastic
A team of researchers developed a self-healing bioplastic from squid proteins, which can be repaired with warm water. The material exhibits improved durability for applications such as medical implants and fiber-optic cables.
Economic assessment shows e-waste recycling is an industry worth billions
A recent study assesses e-waste recycling's economic potential and finds it worth billions of euros, with potential revenues expected to rise from €2 billion in 2014 to €3.5 billion by 2020. The recycling industry also aims to reduce environmental pollution by conserving virgin resources.
Two spin liquids square off in an iron-based superconductor
A new study reveals an iron-telluride material develops superconductivity without long-range electronic or magnetic order, with a competing disordered magnetic phase. The researchers found that the ordering is extremely local and fleeting, similar to a liquid-like behavior.
Twin volcanic chains above a single hotspot with distinct roots
Researchers from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel found that the Tristan-Gough hotspot changed composition about 70 million years ago, forming parallel but geochemically distinct volcanoes. The team suggests a huge lens of material in the lower mantle, called LLSVP, as a possible explanation.
Study finds metal foams capable of shielding X-rays, gamma rays, neutron radiation
Composite metal foams show promise in blocking X-rays, gamma rays, and neutron radiation for nuclear waste transport, spacecraft design, and medical technology. The high-Z steel-steel foam outperformed other materials at shielding against various forms of radiation.
Syntactic foam sandwich fills hunger for lightweight yet strong materials
Researchers have discovered a way to expand metal matrix syntactic foams applications to autos, trains, ships and others requiring lightweight structural components that retain strength when bent or compressed. The new sandwich composite increased stiffness and offered high energy absorption.
UT Arlington aerospace engineer improving advanced composite materials for aircraft
University of Texas at Arlington professor Andrew Makeev receives a $1.35 million grant to develop more durable composite materials for aircraft, accelerating their implementation in vertical lift and fixed-wing aircraft.
Sweeping lasers snap together nanoscale geometric grids
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a new technique to create multi-layered, self-assembled grids with fully customizable shapes and compositions. The result enables the production of high-tech coatings, improved solar cells, and touchscreen electronics.
Mantis shrimp inspires new body armor and football helmet design
Researchers have discovered that the mantis shrimp's dactyl club can filter out certain frequencies of shear waves, making it an effective material for body armor and athletic gear. The study aims to develop synthetic materials with similar filtering properties for various industries, including aerospace and automotive.
New composite material as CO2 sensor
Scientists have developed a new type of sensor using a composite material that interacts with CO2 molecules, changing its conductivity depending on the concentration. The sensor can measure CO2 concentrations over a wide range without requiring high temperatures or energy.
Taking aircraft manufacturing out of the oven
Aerospace engineers at MIT have developed a carbon nanotube film that can heat and solidify composites without massive ovens, using only 1% of the energy. The technique has been tested on common carbon-fiber materials and found to produce composites with similar properties as traditionally manufactured materials.
Carbon nanotube computing?
Researchers at Durham University and the University of São Paulo discovered a correlation between single-walled carbon nanotube concentration and computational capability in composite materials. The emerging field of 'evolution-in-materio' uses natural evolution principles to train materials to mimic electronic circuits.
Winter hack: Textured rubber that grips slick, icy surfaces
Researchers have created a textured rubber material that provides better traction on ice, offering a potential solution for slip-resistant winter boots. The material, made of glass fibers embedded in a compliant rubber, was developed to reduce incidents of pedestrian slips and falls on icy surfaces.
Maps predict strength of structures
Rice researchers Rouzbeh Shahsavari and Navid Sakhavand have created universal maps that predict the properties of natural and biomimetic platelet-matrix composites. The maps are dimensionless and can be applied to materials built with nanoscale blocks as well as brick walls, or bigger.
Researchers increase energy density of lithium storage materials
Scientists have developed a new storage principle and material that enables the reversible storage of 1.8 Li per formula unit, increasing lithium storage density by up to 420 mAh/g. The new system allows for high packing densities and stable operation, making it suitable for energy supply of devices with high power requirements.
New research into materials for tooth fillings
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new glass ionomer cement for tooth fillings that is mercury-free and offers improved durability. The material has good biological properties and releases fluoride to prevent cavities, making it a promising alternative to existing composite filling materials.