Articles tagged with Fibers
North Carolina State University has been chosen to lead a 10-year Department of War initiative to modernize US textile manufacturing for the defense industry. The initiative aims to increase U.S. competitiveness by adopting advanced technologies and techniques.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed high-performance silk with 50% greater tensile strength and reduced shrinkage after wetting. By altering silkworm diets, they added plant-derived cellulose nanofibers to improve silk fibers' properties.
A new Nigerian study has found widespread microplastic contamination in borehole water near the Sokoto Cement Factory, contaminating communities that rely on groundwater. The research identified common plastic polymers and health risks associated with microplastic exposure.
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.
Researchers have developed a novel Fe-EGaIn/TPU core-sheath fiber that overcomes limitations in stretchability and electronic performance. The material achieves strain-invariant conductivity with high conductivity, extreme stretchability, and absorption-enhanced EMI protection.
Researchers have created a carbon-fiber composite that swallows sound waves while retaining the strength of industrial load-bearing panels. The design achieves an average sound absorption coefficient of over 0.9 across a frequency range of 1,500 to 5,500 hertz.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed an ultrafine soft yarn actuator fiber capable of bending, contracting, and producing complex three-dimensional movements when electricity is applied. The technology offers a new pathway for building safer soft robots and body-conforming wearable devices.
Researchers developed a sensor that can detect the chemistry of a single drop of body fluid using a hair-thin optical fiber probe. The device measures electrical conductivity through an optical signal, allowing for stable and real-time measurements in small volumes.
Researchers at King's College London and San Diego State University identified the molecular interactions that give spider silk its exceptional strength and flexibility. The findings provide general design principles for developing high-performance, sustainable fibers.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that spindle fibers can repair themselves as they pull on DNA, ensuring accurate chromosome division. This self-repair mechanism replaces weak links with stronger ones, preventing errors that could lead to cancer or birth defects.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed soft magnetorheological textiles with programmable control and flexibility. These innovative materials overcome traditional drawbacks of heavy magnetic powders and health risks, enabling precise intelligent modulation for various applications.
EPFL researchers develop a new textile actuator design, the X-Crossing geometry, which boosts force and flexibility in wearable robots. The innovation enables lightweight fabrics with seamless cooperation between fibers, achieving remarkable strength and compression capabilities.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a solvent-efficient technique to produce rayon, reducing chemical use by up to 70%. The process uses microfibrillated cellulose and dissolved cellulose to create continuous fibres with improved sustainability.
Researchers demonstrate that bacteria can produce fabric and dye it in every color of the rainbow using a single vat. The approach uses bacterial cellulose as a potential alternative to petroleum-based fibers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm. The developed method yields vibrant colors that survive washing and h...
Researchers have demonstrated a record-breaking 430 terabits per second (Tb/s) optical transmission using a novel approach that triples the capacity of standard-compliant cutoff-shifted optical fibers. The technology offers high throughput with reduced complexity, while utilizing existing optical fiber infrastructure.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a fiber-based electronic sensor that remains functional even when stretched to over 10 times its original length. The device has potential applications in smart textiles, physical rehabilitation devices, and soft robotics.
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.
Researchers at PolyU are pioneering next-generation personal cooling solutions using advanced textiles and intelligent wearables. Their innovations include spectrum-selective textiles, thermal insulation, ventilative and evaporative cooling, and AI-driven frameworks that deliver personalized, energy-efficient cooling.
Researchers developed novel biomisic fiber/sodium alginate aerogels for flexible pressure sensors, mimicking cat vibrissae and FSCs to achieve excellent sensitivity, durability, and rapid response. The sensors demonstrated promising applications in human physiological monitoring, motion analysis, and sports analytics.
Researchers from Shinshu University have developed a unique fiber-based pressure sensor that can detect small changes in pressure, enabling fine-tuned tactile sensing. The fibers exhibit a multi-wall structure that increases resistance when compressed, making them ideal for applications such as soft robotics and wearable devices.
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.
The world's first thousand-ton-scale ionic liquid-based regenerated cellulose fiber project has officially commenced operations in Henan Province, China. The technology uses non-volatile, stable ionic liquids as solvents to replace toxic solvents, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 5,000 tons per year.
A new study has provided insights into how blood stains cotton fabrics, allowing investigators to gather additional information from forensic evidence. The researchers found that the number and spread of 'fingers' in the bloodstain correlate to the velocity of the blood spatter, with faster-moving blood leaving more prominent tendrils.
Researchers developed a lightweight, mechanically robust porous polymer that mimics a natural loofah sponge. It can filter viruses, block objects, and has a range of functional properties due to its flexibility when wet and pH responsiveness.
A multi-institutional group of researchers demonstrates reliable transfer of ultrastable optical signals through deployed multicore fiber alongside simulated telecom traffic. The achievement achieves a fractional frequency instability of just 3 × 10⁻¹⁹ over nearly 3 hours, suitable for demanding timekeeping and scientific measurements.
A new world record has been set for petabit-class transmission over a distance of 1,808 km using a 19-core optical fiber with low loss across multiple wavelength bands. The demonstration marks a major step forward in developing scalable, high-capacity networks and addressing the world's growing demand for data.
A cohort study found that high-quality carbohydrate intake and dietary fiber consumption were positively correlated with healthy outcomes in older adulthood. The study suggests that focusing on carbohydrate quality may be crucial for maintaining overall health as people age.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a dynamic material that can self-heal after puncturing, changing from solid to liquid and back, allowing it to absorb kinetic energy and leave tiny holes. The polymer's unique properties make it suitable for protecting space vehicles and military equipment.
Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a double-helical fiber sensor design that places both electrodes on one end, addressing the mechanical challenges of traditional wearable sensors. The new design enables durable, flexible sensors suitable for tracking finger gestures, facial expressions, and gait movements.
Researchers developed a novel approach to enhance chitosan aerogels' mechanical properties by incorporating silk microfibers with different aspect ratios. The study showed significant improvements in compressive strength, deformation mechanisms, and liquid transportation capabilities.
Researchers developed a novel processing technique to create super-strong, lightweight wood that surpasses natural wood's mechanical properties. The resulting self-densified wood boasts exceptional tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact toughness.
Scientists at Empa have developed a method to produce complex soft actuators using 3D printing, overcoming challenges of elasticity, softness, and material properties. The actuators, made from silicone-based materials, can be used in various applications, including robotics, cars, and potentially even medical devices.
Researchers discovered that aligning protein chains and increasing hydrogen bonds through stretching make spider silk stronger, tougher, and more elastic. The study aims to design engineered silk-inspired proteins for strong, biodegradable materials like sutures and body armor.
A research team at the University of Limerick has developed a groundbreaking method to produce carbon fibre while reducing its energy footprint by up to 70%. The CARBOWAVE project uses plasma and microwave heating technologies to make carbon fibre more efficient and cost-effective.
Researchers created a fiber computer that can be integrated into clothing to track health conditions and physical activity. The technology achieved an average accuracy of 70% when individually operated, but increased to nearly 95% when connected collectively.
Scientists at the University of Groningen have created a novel microwave-assisted chemical recycling process for aramid fibers, including Twaron and Kevlar. The new method achieves a high conversion rate of 96% in just 15 minutes, without using organic solvents.
Researchers have developed an embedded 3D-printing technique that allows for the rapid production of fine, continuous, and soft fibers in gel. The method uses a solvent exchange approach to inhibit capillary breakup from surface tension, achieving resolutions as low as 1.5 microns.
Relativity Networks develops patent-pending HCF cable that transmits data nearly 50% faster than conventional glass fiber, expanding data center geographical optionality. UCF's College of Optics and Photonics supports the innovation through industry partnerships and research collaborations.
Researchers have developed a novel solid catalyst to efficiently reclaim materials from epoxy products, including carbon fibers and glass fibers. The process uses lower temperatures than traditional methods, reducing energy requirements and making the recovery of materials more environmentally friendly.
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.
A new research hub at Northumbria University is exploring the extent of microfibre loss from textiles and its environmental impact. The Fibre-fragmentation and Environment Research Hub will test various fabrics to determine microfibre shedding rates under different conditions, aiming to develop more sustainable textiles.
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.
A research team developed semiconductor fibers that emulate the five human senses, measuring changes in light, chemicals, pressure, pH, and mechanical strain. The fibers' unique structure allows precise control of their three-dimensional spiral shape, enabling them to detect a variety of environmental information.
A Northwestern University-led research team has developed a 2D mechanically interlocked polymer with exceptional flexibility and strength. The material's unique structure exhibits up to 100 trillion mechanical bonds per square centimeter, making it a promising candidate for high-performance body armor.
Researchers developed tapered polymer optical fibers that can deliver light to the brain, enabling more efficient and effective optogenetics experiments. The fibers reduce tissue inflammation and increase the volume of illuminated brain tissue compared to standard optical fibers.
Researchers developed a novel method for carbon fiber recycling that leverages Joule heat generation, thermal stress, and expansion forces to separate fibers without chemicals. The technique is more effective than traditional methods, preserving longer fibers with higher strength and reducing environmental impact.
The study identifies 14 key impacts of wind energy on various systems, including environmental, socio-economic, and political-legal aspects. Researchers found that public acceptance is a major challenge for wind turbines, but also discovered benefits such as the phasing out of fossil-based energy and job creation opportunities.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully recycled carbon nanotube fibers without losing their structure or properties. The discovery positions CNT fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like metals and polymers, offering a solution to waste management problems in industries such as aerospace and automotive.
A group of researchers found that cells can move faster with lower force when adhered to soft surfaces with aligned collagen fibers. They developed a theoretical model to explain the physics behind this behavior, which has implications for cancer metastasis and wound healing.
Researchers have developed a biotechnological process to break down and remove the matrix from carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), recovering valuable chemicals. Genetically modified fungi feed on benzoic acid produced during breakdown, yielding the compound OTA with potential medical applications.
The NUS research team has developed flexible fibres with self-healing, light-emitting and magnetic properties. The Scalable Hydrogel-clad Ionotronic Nickel-core Electroluminescent (SHINE) fibre offers a more efficient, durable and versatile alternative to existing light-emitting fibres.
Researchers observed microfiber plastics tumbling, rolling, and getting stuck in soil particles, revealing slow movement and potential trapping. The study improves understanding of exposure risks and possible health impacts of widespread plastic pollutants.
Cornell University researchers have developed a sustainable method for cleaning up waterways by reusing discarded silk yarn. The yarn effectively removes methylene blue dye and oil from water, with the ability to withstand at least 10 reuse cycles.
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
Researchers at USC have developed a new process to upcycle composite materials from automobile panels and light rail vehicles, recovering high-value materials from both carbon fibers and polymers. The study preserves the integrity of the materials and produces valuable products.
A team of scientists developed a method to increase the light collection efficiency in multicore optical fibers by thermally modifying them. This results in more than five times higher signal-to-noise ratio and significant gain in image contrast, making it suitable for minimally invasive medical procedures.
Parachute fibers' behavior under stress was studied using micro-CT scans, revealing they are not isotropic and respond differently to increasing loads. The findings inform processes like parachute assembly and improve models for screening parachute materials, making industries more cost-effective and time-efficient.
Researchers at Tufts University develop a web-slinging technology that shoots fibers from a needle, solidifies into a string, and adheres to objects. The innovation uses silk fibroin solution with added dopamine and chitosan to increase tensile strength and adhesiveness.
Researchers at PNNL create a uniform two-dimensional layer of silk protein fragments on graphene, enabling the design and fabrication of silk-based electronics. This biocompatible system has potential applications in wearable and implantable health sensors, as well as computing neural networks.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study anisotropic materials, capturing full complexity of light behavior in these materials. The method revealed detailed insights into how light scatters differently along various directions within materials, allowing retrieval of scattering tensor coefficients.