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'Fuzzy' fibers can take rockets' heat

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.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 30, 2017

New 'tougher-than-metal' fiber-reinforced hydrogels

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 23, 2017

Pitch range produced by vocal cords

Scientists found that the range of frequencies produced by vocal cords depends on their stretchiness and stiffness. This discovery has implications for treating damaged vocal cords and improving singing techniques. The researchers used data from 16 species, including humans, to develop a model that explains how the cord's properties af...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 16, 2016

Amino acid sequences are key to the properties of silks

A new study from RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science reveals that amino acid sequences are key determinants of silk fiber material properties. The research sheds light on the unique properties of silkworm silks, including their mechanical and thermal behavior.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2016

Seeing 'living' nanofibers in real time

Researchers at Kyoto University have observed artificial nanofibers sorting themselves into organized structures under artificial conditions, a phenomenon similar to that seen in living cells. This achievement elucidates the mechanism of self-sorting and has potential applications in developing intelligent biomimics.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 30, 2016

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.

It's a 3-D printer, but not as we know it

Researchers developed a novel method to print composite materials using ultrasonic waves, enabling the creation of complex fibrous architectures. The technology can be easily integrated into existing 3D printers, offering tailored material properties and potential applications in smart materials.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateJan 18, 2016

Storing electricity in paper

Researchers at Linköping University have developed power paper, a three-dimensional organic mixed ion-electron conductor that stores energy. The material has outstanding ability to store energy, can be recharged hundreds of times, and is produced from simple materials like renewable cellulose and an easily available polymer.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 3, 2015

Improving insulation materials, down to wetting crossed fibers

Researchers study the behavior of liquids trapped between two parallel fibers, discovering that spreading is controlled by three key parameters: liquid amount, fiber orientation, and distance between them. This insight could lead to cheaper materials with better insulation properties.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 1, 2015

Montreal researchers develop ultra-tough fiber that imitates the structure of spider silk

Montreal researchers have created a polymer fibre with remarkable strength and elasticity, similar to spider silk. The fibre is made using a unique manufacturing process that mimics the natural structure of spider silk, making it suitable for various applications such as aircraft engine casings, surgical devices, and bulletproof clothing.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 3, 2015

Spinning a new version of silk

Scientists have successfully produced samples of strong and resilient synthetic silk with properties tailored for biomedical applications. The new material is created by genetically modifying bacteria to produce spider-like proteins, which are then extruded through microfluidic channels to form fibers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2015

Polymers designed for protection

The US Army Research Laboratory is designing new polymers with enhanced ballistic capabilities to protect soldiers from emerging threats. By modeling polymer chemistry, microstructure, and energy absorption, researchers aim to create ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes for optimal performance at high strain rates.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMar 11, 2015

Rice rolls 'neat' nanotube fibers

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created strong conductive carbon threads using single-walled carbon nanotubes. By infusing the nanotubes with potassium and employing cage-like crown ethers, they were able to align the tubes and create a gel that could be extruded into fibers.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 15, 2014

MIT engineers design 'living materials'

Researchers at MIT have successfully designed and created living materials that incorporate non-living components, such as gold nanoparticles and quantum dots. These hybrid materials exhibit unique properties, including the ability to conduct electricity and emit light, making them suitable for various energy applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 23, 2014

Rice's carbon nanotube fibers outperform copper

Carbon nanotube-based fibers have been shown to carry electrical current up to four times that of copper wires of the same mass. The fibers' ability to transmit current makes them ideal for lightweight power transmission in aerospace applications, where weight is a significant factor.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 14, 2014

Not-weak knots bolster carbon fiber

Researchers at Rice University developed a new type of carbon fiber with unique properties, achieving '100% knot efficiency' where the fiber is equally likely to break anywhere along its length. The fibers were created by spinning large graphene oxide flakes into fibers, resulting in enhanced strength and flexibility.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 8, 2013