Articles tagged with Fibers
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have successfully mapped liquids outside coated optical fibers, enabling sensing applications beyond the lab. The use of a polyimide coating overcomes the protective barrier previously hindering sensor performance.
Scientists at Lobachevsky University developed a new method for producing acrylonitrile copolymers, which can serve as precursors for high-strength carbon fibers. The method uses controlled Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) and produces narrowly dispersed copolymers with specified molecular weights.
A 100-million-year-old hagfish fossil provides critical evidence of the evolutionary history of these enigmatic creatures. The discovery helps place hagfish in a more accurate position within the vertebrate family tree, suggesting a closer relationship with lampreys than previously thought.
By using stimuli-responsive materials and geometric principles, researchers have designed structures that can determine their response to the environment through physical and chemical changes. These 'embodied logic' systems can switch between multiple configurations in response to pre-determined environmental cues, enabling complex mec...
Researchers developed a biodegradable and renewable composite material from date palm fibre biomass, showing increased tensile strength and improved impact resistance. The material has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and C0<sub>2</sub> emissions in vehicles.
A WSU researcher has modeled microplastic fiber movement through the environment, shedding light on their environmental impact. The study found that fibers' length and water speed determine settlement or continued movement.
Microtubules form scaffolding for cell movement and division. Researchers at UC Davis discovered the mechanism behind their assembly, using an animation to illustrate TOG domains driving tubulin polymerization.
Researchers have created a new air-filled optical fiber bundle that can improve endoscopes used in medical procedures like minimally invasive surgeries. The technology allows for higher resolution images at double the wavelength range, enabling diagnostic procedures not possible with current endoscope technology.
A team of scientists at ASU has explained the fundamental mystery of spider silk's mechanical strength and elasticity. By studying hierarchical micellar nanoparticle structures, they developed a molecular level model of spider silk protein fiber formation.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered that carbon fibers with small crystals have good electrochemical properties, making them suitable for structural batteries. This innovation could reduce vehicle weight by up to 50% and increase energy storage capacity, while also enhancing safety.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis engineer bacteria to produce biosynthetic spider silk with improved tensile strength and toughness, exceeding previous records. The new silk's molecular weight positively correlates with its strength, suggesting potential for further increases.
Researchers developed a new method called pneumatospinning to produce collagen microfibres, which have significantly higher tensile strength than traditional methods. The technique has potential applications in medical devices, clinical treatments, and combination therapies.
Scientists develop a new assembly strategy to mimic the hierarchical structure of natural materials, resulting in high-performance composites with excellent damage tolerance. The proposed approach is eco-friendly, scalable, and programmable.
Researchers from NTU and Harvard found that adding nano-sized cellulose fibers to food reduced fat absorption by up to half in laboratory and animal experiments. The discovery could aid in the global battle against obesity by reducing fat absorption, a strategy reinforced by existing knowledge on high-fibre diets.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new method to identify the material surrounding an optical fiber by generating a sound wave within the fiber. This technique allows for non-invasive detection of changes in temperature and pressure, with potential applications in structures such as bridges and gas pipelines.
A team of researchers from Purdue University has found that twisting cracks in certain animal materials make them incredibly strong and resistant to failure. This phenomenon, observed in the mantis shrimp's club, is now being replicated in new composite materials.
Researchers developed a nanomaterial treatment that strengthens aging canvas fibers and surface, increasing flexibility. This alternative method could replace conventional treatments, helping preserve iconic artworks like Van Gogh's paintings.
Researchers at DESY's PETRA III facility have created a novel, ultra-strong bio-material made from cellulose nanofibres. The material boasts exceptional tensile stiffness of 86 GPa and strength of 1.57 GPa, outperforming steel and even dragline spider silk.
Researchers have created a new material made from specially arranged nano-sized cellulose fibers that surpasses steel in strength. The material's unique structure and organization have led to significant improvements in its mechanical properties, making it suitable for various load-bearing applications.
Scientists have developed high-strength, super-tough carbon sheets by chemically stitching together platelets of graphitic carbon at low temperatures. The material's mechanical properties exceed those of current carbon fiber composites, offering potential cost savings and improved performance for various applications.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut have created a biodegradable composite made from spider silk fibers, which can be used to repair broken load-bearing bones without complications. The new composite shows high strength and flexibility characteristics, making it suitable for treating large leg bones in adults and seniors.
The new muscles are made from carbon fiber-reinforced siloxane rubber and have a coiled geometry, lifting up to 12,600 times their own weight. They also support high mechanical stress and exhibit excellent performance when electrically actuated.
Researchers have found a way to upcycle animal dung into paper products using cellulose, which could provide an alternative to traditional wood-based methods. The process involves treating the manure with sodium hydroxide and then bleaching it to produce purified cellulose nanofibers.
A Washington State University research team has developed a technique to greatly strengthen permeable pavements by adding waste carbon fiber composite material. The recycling method reduces energy consumption and chemicals, making it a critical factor for recycling waste materials.
Researchers from Jena University successfully created protein nanofibres with defined properties by combining two different proteins through a self-assembly process. The hybrid fibres can be used as components in biosensors, drug delivery particles, optical probes, or bone cements.
Researchers at Shinshu University have successfully tested a new, safer titanium plate for bone tissue repair, eliminating the need for plate extraction and associated surgical risks. The titanium fiber plates share a similar measurement of stiffness with natural bone, reducing the risk of embrittlement.
The RUN2RAIL project aims to develop lighter, more reliable, comfortable, and quieter rolling stock by investigating novel materials and manufacturing processes. Carbon fibre frames and key components made using 3D printing technology are expected to reduce weight and improve designs.
Researchers at Harvard developed a novel 3D printing method that enables control of short fibers in polymer matrices, resulting in enhanced strength, stiffness, and damage tolerance. This breakthrough has broad applications in materials engineering.
Researchers have created a method to rapidly align and twist carbon nanotubes on a slide, producing short, high-strength fibers. The technique reduces production time from hours to minutes, enabling quicker testing and analysis of the fibers' properties.
Researchers have developed a new process to manufacture acrylonitrile, the precursor to carbon fiber, from renewable biomass. The bio-based process produces less heat and toxic byproducts than traditional methods.
Researchers at MIT have developed a process to produce ultrafine fibers with exceptional strength and toughness, exceeding existing materials in specific modulus and specific strength. The new gel-electrospun polyethylene fibers have similar degrees of strength but are much tougher and have lower density.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab successfully deploy dark fiber for seismic monitoring, detecting earthquakes and changes in permafrost conditions. The technique uses distributed acoustic sensing to measure seismic waves, providing comparable results to conventional seismometers.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to create reconstituted silk that is more than twice as stiff as its natural counterpart. The material has potential applications in medical sutures, scaffolding for new skin or other biomaterials, and sensing devices.
A Penn study reveals the physical mechanism of how platelets contract and shrink blood clots, which can inform new ways to diagnose and treat conditions like ischemic stroke and deep vein thrombosis. The research found that contracting platelets cause clots to shrink by bending and shortening individual fibrin fibers.
Researchers at Rice University developed nanotube fiber antennas that match the performance of traditional copper antennas but weigh significantly less. The flexible fibers offer practical advantages for aerospace and wearable electronics applications, where weight and flexibility are crucial factors.
Scientists discover that velvet worm slime consists of a mix of proteins and fatty acids, forming nanoglobules that harden into stiff filaments when exposed to shear forces. These fibers have tensile stiffness similar to Nylon and can be dissolved in water again within hours.
Scientists at NIST have developed a new way to test high-performance fibers used in body armor, revealing critical damage mechanisms that lead to degradation. The technique uses positron beam analysis to characterize fiber structure, enabling the creation of more comfortable and effective vests.
Researchers have created a 2-D material that can morph into a 3D structure and change color to blend in with its environment. The material mimics the skin of an octopus, featuring erector muscles that rapidly form shapes to achieve camouflage.
Scientists at Tsinghua University have developed a new type of optical fiber that can detect joint movements and other types of human motion with high accuracy. The flexible fiber, made from silicone, can withstand extreme stretching and bending without losing its sensing ability.
Scientists at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory have discovered poly(urethane urea) elastomers that exhibit hyperelastic behavior, becoming extremely stiff and bouncing back after high-speed impacts. This could lead to new designs for military armor, such as enhanced combat helmets.
Researchers have developed a method to infuse cotton fibers with fluorescent and magnetic properties, eliminating the need for chemical treatments. This breakthrough could enable the creation of sustainable fabrics with desirable properties.
Researchers warn that off-road vehicles can produce airborne asbestos and erionite, posing a risk to children and others. The study highlights the need for precautions, such as wearing safety masks and goggles, when using ORVs in areas with naturally occurring asbestos deposits.
A team of researchers has successfully transformed lignin, a component of plant cell walls, into strong and durable carbon fibers. The new material, made by blending lignin with polyarylonitrile, shows promise for reducing the carbon footprint of the automobile industry.
Researchers have successfully enhanced spider silk's strength and toughness by incorporating carbon nanotubes or graphene. The resulting silk boasts up to three times the strength and ten times the toughness of regular material.
A new study led by Roland Geyer estimates that over 8 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, with most becoming waste after four years. The research provides a global analysis of plastic production and fate, highlighting the need for sustainable materials management.
Researchers have discovered that dragline silk from golden orb weaver spiders dissipates energy when twisted, preventing it from spinning uncontrollably. This property makes it an attractive material for biomimetic fibers with potential uses in violin strings, helicopter rescue ladders and parachute cords.
Researchers developed a more resilient type of concrete using recycled tire fibres, reducing crack formation by over 90% compared to regular concrete. The new concrete has potential to shrink the tire industry's carbon footprint and reduce construction emissions.
Researchers at OHSU developed a process to engineer new blood vessels in teeth, creating better long-term outcomes for patients. This innovation eliminates the need for synthetic biomaterials and restores biological response, potentially leading to improved tooth survival rates.
Researchers at Rice University have created hydrogel strings using a compound found in mussels, allowing for controlled growth of cells on surfaces. The aligned fibers promote ordered cell growth, making it possible to direct cell growth from one location to another.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found that bamboo's natural fiber distribution is optimized for maximum flexural rigidity while minimizing wood volume. This study sheds light on the potential of biomimetics in developing lightweight and tough materials.
A Texas A&M research team has discovered a way to produce good quality carbon fiber from lignin, a structural part of plants that piles up as waste. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of new products like tennis rackets and cars, generating jobs and rural economic growth.
A new chemical recycling method has been developed to recycle carbon fiber composites, which are difficult to break down or recycle. The method uses mild acids and low temperatures to break down the thermosets, preserving the carbon fibers in a useful form that can be easily reused.
Researchers have developed a new method to improve semiconductor fiber optics, which could revolutionize global data transmission. The approach, led by Xiaoyu Ji, reduces imperfections in the fiber core, allowing for more efficient light transmission.
North Carolina State University researchers have developed elastic, touch-sensitive fibers that can detect strain, twisting, and touch. The fibers use liquid metal alloy to store electric charge, enabling different electronic signals based on touch location.
Scientists have created a new type of stretchable neural implant that can be used to study spinal cord neurons and potentially restore function. The fibers, developed by MIT researchers, can flex and stretch while delivering both optical and electrical impulses.
The new composite fibers, developed in collaboration with NASA, have strong interlocking connections that make them less prone to cracking and seal the material to prevent oxygen from changing its chemical composition. The fibers are also resistant to high temperatures and can make entire turbo engines significantly lighter.
Harvard researchers developed a portable, handheld device to fabricate nanofibers with precise control over fiber orientation. The pull spinning method uses only one processing parameter to regulate nanofiber diameter, making it easy to use and flexible.
Scientists at Hokkaido University have created 'fiber-reinforced soft composites' that combine the flexibility of hydrogels with the strength of glass fibers. These materials are 5 times tougher than carbon steel, making them suitable for various applications such as artificial ligaments and tendons.
Researchers have developed a single flexible fiber that can deliver optical, electrical, and chemical signals to the brain, enabling precise recordings of neuronal activity. This breakthrough could provide a significantly more accurate understanding of brain function and interconnections.
Researchers have discovered a unique type of spider silk that can lift weights with high efficiency and speed. The silk fibers are actuated by water droplets, exhibiting shrink-stretch behavior similar to muscle performance.