Research on testing materials and how they perform. Covers spacecraft shielding, manufacturing challenges, metallic glass in space, and recyclable materials.
A recent study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that self-taught typists can type almost as quickly and accurately as touch typists, as long as they can see the keyboard. This challenges traditional typing techniques taught in schools, which may not be effective for nonstandard typists.
Researchers at UAB have successfully created as yet unknown new materials by applying pressures greater than those found at the center of the Earth. By using tiny nanocrystalline-diamond anvils, they were able to reach pressures of up to 264 gigapascals.
Sheffield researchers found that replacing lead zirconate titanate with potassium sodium niobate poses significant environmental risks due to heavy metal and radioactive material releases. The study's life cycle analysis revealed harmful effects on air, water, and land quality prior to material use.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have determined that the surface texture of gallium nitride (GaN) materials can influence the health of nearby cells. The study found that altering the surface texture of GaN materials, such as making them rough or smooth, can cause metabolic changes in cells.
UTA researchers have earned two grants to install longer-lasting fiber-reinforced concrete pipes in Texas and develop a 100-year service life protocol for Florida. The new standard describes a technically strong and durable reinforcement option that can be used for underground piping, with excellent long-term performance observed.
The BfR has updated its joint research strategy to focus on application-safe and environmentally friendly nanomaterials development and use. The new approach aims to ensure sustainable material use across the entire life cycle, from production to disposal.
Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology develop new thermo-elastoplastic model to accurately describe soft clay contraction due to heating. The model reveals that non-uniform heating fields can cause non-uniform stress and strain fields, leading to volume contraction.
Researchers at Penn State developed a cold sintering process (CSP) that combines ceramic and plastic materials at lower temperatures than traditional methods. The process allows for densification of materials to over 95% of their theoretical density in just 15 minutes.
Researchers at Drexel University discovered that a few-atoms-thin titanium carbide material called MXene can effectively block electromagnetic radiation. The material's high electrical conductivity and two-dimensional structure make it ideal for shielding devices without adding significant weight.
The project aims to enhance materials used in UTeach Arlington and expand its impact on teachers and their students. Researchers will analyze the effectiveness of the materials and make research-based changes to address key concepts.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have demonstrated pattern recognition in hybrid materials that can be integrated into clothing or used as a sensory skin for robots. The materials, powered by chemical reactions, recognize distorted patterns and can inform doctors about hand injury recovery or monitor cardiovascular activity.
Researchers developed a miniature tabletop test device to study explosions with unprecedented accuracy, revealing key dynamics of hot spots. The new instrument helps control hot spots, crucial for safer explosives.
A Northwestern University team has developed a nanomaterial that can store large amounts of electrical energy like a battery and charge rapidly like a supercapacitor, promising to improve electric car efficiency. The material's stability allows for 10,000 charge/discharge cycles, making it suitable for commercial applications.
Scientists have developed a new method to synthesize mother of pearl, mimicking nature's process using an organic matrix and mineralization. The resulting synthetic nacre has similar mechanical properties to its natural counterpart, making it a promising material for various applications.
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.
Soft materials can store and release elastic energy using bistable beams, allowing for signal propagation without dissipation. The developed system enables transmission of mechanical signals through long distances in autonomous soft systems.
Hokkaido University researchers have synthesized a platinum-based superconducting material with unique crystal structure, which becomes superconducting at 10 GPa but returns to non-superconductive state at 15 GPa. The high-pressure synthesis method holds promise for further exploration of unknown phases in various materials.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to reinforce composite materials using carbon nanotubes, resulting in substantially stronger and more resistant materials. The stitched composites were found to be 30% stronger and withstood greater forces before breaking than existing composite materials.
The project aims to develop a web-based Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) weldability prediction tool, which will improve design and engineering efficiency. The tool is expected to enhance product quality through the utilization of advanced materials and reduce physical testing required for new material candidates.
Researchers developed self-healing polyelectrolyte coatings that can repair themselves and neutralize chemicals, protecting users from toxic substances and hazardous environments. The coatings are thin, micron-sized and can increase material strength while being reusable and rewearable after laundering.
Frank Mücklich's innovative work using nanotomography and atomic tomography has led to a deeper understanding of material properties and the development of new materials with customized combinations. By analyzing the internal structure of complex materials, he has identified key mechanisms controlling desired material properties.
Researchers at NUS have developed a novel technique to implant high-performance magnetic memory chips on flexible plastic surfaces, overcoming performance challenges. The new device uses magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) and demonstrates excellent data storage and processing capabilities.
Scientists have developed a way to upsize nanostructures into light, flexible 3-D printed materials with unprecedented scalability. The new process creates lightweight, strong and super elastic materials with a 400 percent increase in tensile elasticity over conventional metals and ceramic foams.
Researchers at FAU and Fachhochschule Lübeck developed custom-fit prosthetics using 3D scanning and printing, suitable for local production with recycled materials. The first prototypes have been printed and are being tested for longevity and stress resistance.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method for extracting the content of single living cells, enabling scientists to study individual cells at the molecular level. The technique allows for precise extraction of intracellular material, preserving live cells for repeated sampling and analysis.
A team of scientists from Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and UNIST created an octopus-inspired smart adhesive pad to mimic the suction cups on octopuses' tentacles. The pad uses thermally responsive polymer to create suction, allowing for strong bonding and detachment in wet conditions.
Dr. Rodney S. Ruoff has been recognized with the SGL Carbon Award for his pioneering discoveries in carbon science, including the understanding of nanostructures and 2D materials. His work has greatly accelerated industrial developments in graphene-based materials and electrical energy storage systems.
A team of researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology has developed a method to synthesize complex, versatile materials from starting materials with low reactivity. The synthesis uses the catalytic Mannich reaction to produce chiral imidazolines with high yield and stereoselectivity.
Research from the University of British Columbia shows that people in areas with high temperatures and social deprivation are more likely to die during extreme heat events. The study found pockets of risk throughout Vancouver's region, including Downtown Eastside and low-income neighborhoods.
Researchers developed a 'blocking' layer of porous carbon from loofah sponges to stabilize cathodes and improve lithium-sulfur, selenium, and iodine batteries. The new material helped prevent cathode dissolution over 500 to 5,000 cycles.
The EU-funded EXTMOS project develops new organic semiconductor materials and additives for low-cost, flexible, wearable electronic devices. The project aims to accelerate material development through virtual testing and collaboration across multiple disciplines.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) will establish 20 new Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs), receiving €174 million in funding. The CRCs will investigate various topics, including quantum systems and the adaptability of plants.
A University of Central Florida researcher has found a means of controlling materials at the nanoscale, enabling the creation of new-generation manufacturing processes. By exploiting necking phenomena in cold-drawn fibers, Abouraddy's team has opened up possibilities for customized materials with futuristic attributes.
Researchers review bladder mechanics, focusing on material testing and theoretical modeling to improve understanding and diagnosis of urinary disorders. They highlight the need for more accurate models to simulate bladder behavior and predict outcomes.
Researchers have developed a soft actuator that allows robots to move freely without harming humans. The actuator uses hyperelastic membranes and electric fields to control movement, enabling robots to give way in case of doubt, making them suitable for applications where human safety is a concern.
Researchers created a self-healing electronic material that can restore all its properties needed for use in wearable electronics, including mechanical strength and electrical resistivity. The material is tough and able to self-heal due to boron nitride nanosheets connecting with hydrogen bonding groups.
Scientists at Penn State University have developed a new high-pressure technique to create large-area thin-film silicon semiconductors at low temperatures in simple reactors. This approach could make large, flexible semiconductors more feasible for applications like flat-panel monitors and solar cells.
A new study found that badges acknowledging open practices significantly increase reported data and materials sharing, making research findings more accessible and reliable. The initiative, which awards badges to publications meeting specific sharing criteria, has been shown to improve the quality and availability of research data and ...
Researchers have discovered that silver nanowires are an ideal material for current and future flexible touch-screen technologies. The study found that silver nanowire films can match and exceed the transmittances and conductivities of ITO, a brittle and expensive material used in traditional touchscreen devices.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism for fast ion transport in solid electrolytes, enabling safe and high-power batteries. The discovery provides a new strategy for designing highly conductive solid electrolytes.
Researchers used numerical simulations to investigate the effect of red blood cell hold position on strain field during tensile testing. The results show significant variations in deformed geometry and strain distribution, highlighting the importance of considering hold position in RBC tensile test interpretation.
University of Minnesota researchers record first-ever videos of heat moving through materials at the nanoscale, traveling at the speed of sound. This breakthrough could aid in designing better, more efficient materials for a wide range of applications, including personal electronics and alternative-energy technologies.
Scientists at Université de Genève successfully manipulate the magnetic properties of LaNiO3 and LaMnO3 oxides to create tailored materials. By controlling the interactions between these materials, they can now develop artificial structures with specific magnetic properties.
Aalto University researchers propose a standardised method for testing the wear and durability of superhydrophobic materials, including linear abrasion. They also emphasize the need to measure droplet mobility to assess the surface's robustness.
Researchers at UCSB have identified specific defects in LED diodes that result in reduced efficiency, but not all defects are alike. The characterization of these point defects could lead to the fabrication of even more efficient and longer-lasting LED lighting.
Physicists validate numerical simulation methods using 40 methods and 15 software packages, confirming high precision. The study's results aim to improve accuracy in theoretical speculation.
Researchers found that compression changes bandgaps, allowing scientists to tailor absorbed light wavelength and increase voltage. Pressure also significantly increases electronic conductivity of perovskites.
The KuLA application enables users to study hentaigana and cursive-style kanji using images from Japanese historical books. Researchers can utilize these resources more effectively, bridging the knowledge gap in pre-modern materials between Japan and international studies.
Researchers developed a record-breaking steel alloy that can withstand impact without deforming permanently, with an elastic limit of 11.76 giga-Pascals. The material's unique structure allows it to be both hard and non-brittle, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers have created a new metallic glass with an unusual chemical structure that makes it incredibly hard and yet elastic. The material can withstand heavy impacts without deforming and retains most of its original strength.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a second route to jamming, where liquid-like materials solidify without added particles or volume changes, triggered by stirring. This finding provides a new understanding of jamming-related phenomena in various systems.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a method for manufacturing batteries with organic electrode materials, enabling the creation of more efficient microbatteries. The new technique uses a combined atomic/molecular layer deposition process, resulting in highly stable structures with improved energy density and rate capability.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a novel implantable material that replicates the natural recoil of a healthy pelvic floor. This softer, elastic material is designed to reduce debilitating side-effects associated with current rigid materials used in urinary incontinence surgery.
Andrea Young's grant will support the development of nano-SQUID-on-tip, a device that measures thermal, magnetic, and topographic properties of materials. This tool enables correlation of physical and magnetic structure on relevant length scales, crucial for nanoscale device performance.
The Materials Innovation Platforms (MIPs) program aims to accelerate materials research and development, enabling the discovery of new materials, techniques, and instrumentation. The program focuses on crystal growth, oxide and 2D materials, and will advance a focused research area of national importance.
A team of US/UK physicists has developed a new material that can control excitons at room temperature, making it easier to manipulate these bound pairs of electrons and electron holes. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new optoelectronic devices for commercial applications.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $17.8 million to Penn State to establish a national user facility for two-dimensional crystal research. The Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium will focus on growing bulk and ultrathin crystalline chalcogenide materials, staffed by experts in crystal growth and theory/simulation.
A new German-Russian materials research cooperation will be established with participation of 25 scientists from both countries. The programme aims to create magnetically controlled elastic materials for customised sensory applications.
Researchers tested a new way to treat colour problems in rubies by using microwaves. The study found that the microwave treatment led to visible changes in the gemstones' colour and structure.
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.