Articles tagged with Materials Testing
Researchers at the University of Exeter have demonstrated a novel technique using phase-change materials for simultaneous information processing and storage. This breakthrough could revolutionize computing by making computers faster, more energy-efficient, and brain-like in their architecture.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered how to manipulate Nafion's internal structure to enhance its applications in energy-related industrial fields. By analyzing the material's molecular motion and alignment, they found that stretching the material influences its conduction properties, enabling new designs for batteries and wate...
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that viewing emotion-laden images immediately after taking a test enhances people's retention of the tested material. The finding is counterintuitive, as one might expect negative emotions to hinder learning.
Researchers have created a new metallic high-performance material that can switch between strong and brittle behavior and soft and malleable states at the touch of a button. The discovery, made by Prof. Dr. Jörg Weißmüller and Hai-Jun Jin, opens doors to diverse applications such as self-healing materials and intelligent structures.
The new method, developed by Qingkai Yu and Steven Pei, enables the growth of ordered arrays of thousands or millions of single crystals of graphene. This advance opens the possibility of replacing silicon with graphene in high-speed transistors and integrated circuits.
Researchers discover a material that can transform from nonmagnetic to magnetic at room temperature, enabling the creation of chameleon magnets. These materials have the potential to revolutionize computing by providing tunable and reprogrammable transistors.
The new composites have a co-continuous structure, allowing for the combination of materials with different properties. This results in materials that are stiff, strong and tough, as well as damage-tolerant even when subjected to multiple cracks.
Engineers at MIT validate the scratch test as a simple method to assess a material's fracture properties. By analyzing the force and dimensions of scratches, researchers can determine a material's toughness, making it a valuable tool for understanding how materials break.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that copied lifestyle counseling documentation in EMRs is not associated with improved glucose control, similar to having received no counseling. The team suggests educating healthcare providers about the issue and exploring alternative solutions.
Researchers have discovered liquid crystals that can detect low concentrations of bacterial endotoxin with high sensitivity. This breakthrough has the potential to replace the current LAL assay using horseshoe crab blood, reducing costs and variability associated with the test.
A University of Oklahoma graduate student is testing materials to address fluorosis, a widespread health issue in the Rift Valley. The goal is to develop effective and sustainable solutions that meet the World Health Organization standard.
Phase change materials exhibit surprisingly low thermal conductivity in both crystalline and amorphous states. The researchers found that resonance bonding between atoms in the crystalline state impairs heat conduction. This property makes phase change materials suitable for developing fast, non-volatile, and energy-saving main memories.
Scientists discover a polymer-based material that can heal itself quickly and easily with the help of ultraviolet light, restoring its original properties. The material, called metallo-supramolecular polymers, has potential applications in coatings for consumer goods such as cars, floors, and furniture.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed soft, elastic gels that change color when exposed to UV light. The materials are made with a type of photochromic compound called spiropyran, which changes color in response to UV radiation.
Ronald Inglehart and Pippa Norris awarded for their systematic investigation into human values and value change impacting political behavior, with a focus on religion, gender equality, and global media influence. The prize recognizes their groundbreaking work in highlighting the importance of citizens' values in shaping societal life.
A University of Missouri study finds that students justify cheating with excuses like 'too hard to do' or 'severe illness'. Instructors can reduce cheating by communicating clear expectations and providing consistent enforcement, according to the researcher.
Scientists have identified a new type of symmetry in materials, expanding possibilities for discovering materials with desired properties. This discovery can lead to the development of novel ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials, which could be used in next-generation ultrasound devices and computers.
A new outdoor testing system tracks real weather conditions and measures the impact of temperature changes on building joint sealants. This technology may help manufacturers improve the protective performance of their products, leading to reduced moisture damage and associated repairs.
Researchers at NIST and Virginia Tech developed a new reference material for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which showed more accurate measurement results than previous methods. The tool aims to reduce inter-laboratory variability in VOC emissions testing, leading to improved indoor air quality and occupant health.
Researchers at Rutgers University have identified a class of high-strength metal alloys with potential to improve the performance of engines, medical imaging equipment, security systems, and other applications. These nanostructured metals can convert electrical and magnetic energy into movement or vice-versa.
A recent study found that metal and concrete tile roofs produce the highest quality rainwater for indoor domestic use, while asphalt and green roofs contain high levels of dissolved organic carbon. The research highlights the importance of considering roofing material when harvesting rainwater for potable use.
The European Commission Joint Research Centre has developed the world's first certified reference material for nanoparticle size analysis. The material provides a stable benchmark for reliable hazard assessments and process quality control, promoting market confidence and innovation.
Researchers developed a new high-performance fiber with superior strength and toughness, surpassing Kevlar. The fiber was created by combining carbon nanotubes with a polymer and testing its properties using in-situ electron microscopy.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a method to image the full spatial structure of magnetic domains deep within materials. They exploit domain walls, where magnetic fields deflect neutrons slightly from their path, allowing for the creation of 3D images.
Research reveals that fireworks smoke releases bio-reactive metallic particles that can affect human health, especially for those with asthma or cardiovascular problems. The study found elevated levels of lead, copper, and other metals in the air after fireworks displays.
Researchers at NIST have developed a suite of standard reference materials for measuring organic acids in dietary supplements formulated with Vaccinium berries. These materials can help prevent economic adulteration by identifying the type and amount of berry used in products.
Researchers at New York University developed a method to shape solid materials, such as glass, metal, or stone, using a corn starch solution. By applying pressure from a motor-powered sphere through the solution, they can create precise indentations and depressions in the material.
Field pennycress, a common roadside plant, has shown promising results as a potential source of biofuel due to its high seed yields and ability to thrive in cold weather. The USDA study found that the oil from field pennycress seeds can be converted into biodiesel with cloud and pour points suitable for use in cold climates.
Researchers have developed Meta-flex, a flexible smart material that can cloak objects from visible light. The breakthrough resolves two major challenges in creating such materials.
Researchers in Yorkshire will gain access to a state-of-the-art electron-beam lithography system to study novel magnetic materials and fabricate high-frequency electronics. The £4 million facility, supported by industrial funding, will enable the fabrication of nanostructures with features less than 10 nanometres in size.
Researchers at UConn have developed new alloy materials that behave like gold and resist oxidation, reducing reliance on precious metals. These materials improve contact resistance up to one-million-fold over pure base metals, making them a promising alternative for electronic applications.
Scientists at North Carolina State University pioneered a method to examine silicon bonds with other materials at the atomic level. This new understanding of bond formation could lead to improved control over materials properties and new device creation.
The new technology, thermo-spintronics, could enable integrated circuits that run on heat instead of electricity. Researchers discovered that two pieces of the material do not need to be physically connected for the effect to propagate from one to the other.
Researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi have developed a new material that mimics cilia, allowing for control and potential use in sensing and monitoring applications. The material responds to various stimuli, enabling its application in detecting toxins, oxygen levels, or other environmental factors.
The Center for Astrophysics (CfA) will play a major role in NASA's Solar Probe Plus mission by deploying the Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) Investigation. SWEAP will directly sample the Sun's outer atmosphere, providing unprecedented insights into the Sun's effects on the solar system.
Researchers at NIST have created a microminiaturized device that can measure complex viscoelasticity on sample sizes as small as a few nanoliters. This innovation enables biotechnologists to study minute quantities of materials with greater precision and accuracy.
Researchers at NIST have developed a simple process for producing nanocrystals that enable studies of physical and chemical properties affecting nanoparticle interaction. The process allows precise control over size, shape and composition, creating perfect-edged nanocubes with uniform size.
Physicists have discovered a new copper-based compound that exhibits properties never seen before in a superconductor. The material can be made to conduct electricity with or without electrons, offering a new path to studying the relationship between these two methods of creating superconductors.
L. Eric Cross is recognized for his leadership in the science and applications of ferroelectric materials, with current work on flexoelectric composites offering a new generation of lead-free transducers. He has also made significant contributions to sonar undersea transducers and medical ultrasound machines.
Researchers have demonstrated a simple regeneration technique using waste steam, producing concentrated CO2 suitable for sequestration or other use. The study improves stability and efficiency of solid amine materials for high-volume industrial applications.
Researchers at Washington State University have created a compact, never-before-seen material capable of storing vast amounts of energy by applying extremely high pressures. The new material, similar to nuclear energy, has potential applications in creating energetic materials, fuels, and superconductors.
Researchers at Harvard University have tracked individual atoms as they reorganized into a crystal, driven by quantum mechanics. This achievement opens possibilities for particle-by-particle study and engineering of artificial quantum materials.
Dr. X. Frank Xu has been awarded the 2010 K.J. Bathe Award for his groundbreaking work on multiscale methods for uncertainty quantification of heterogeneous materials. His research aims to improve the assessment and optimization of advanced materials like functionally graded materials.
A new material, vanadium oxide, has been integrated with silicon chips to create 'smart sensors' that can respond quickly in extreme conditions. This technology allows for the development of infrared sensors for military and security applications.
Researchers found that switchgrass can provide a suitable substrate for short-production-cycle woody crops, with fine-milled switchgrass being more consistent with normal nursery container substrates. The study showed that roses grown in switchgrass substrate had low to moderate levels of calcium and iron but were of high quality.
A team of nanotechnologists used friction force microscopy to study the nanoscale frictional characteristics of four atomically-thin materials. They found that friction increases as the number of atomic layers decreases, regardless of material differences.
A new Rotman paper finds that physically enclosing relevant materials from unpleasant memories improves psychological closure, creating a sense of well-being. The study's findings have implications for products and services that relieve stress and anxiety related to past events or tasks.
Researchers at Brandeis will explore the behavior of active matter using interdisciplinary approaches, aiming to shed light on biological structures like flagella beating. The project seeks to elucidate the properties of active matter at length scales ranging from microscopic to macroscopic.
The experiment aims to understand the durability of advanced materials and electronics when exposed to vacuum, solar radiation, atomic oxygen, and extreme temperatures. The results will provide insights into increasing the performance and useful life of next-generation satellites and launch systems.
Professor Paul Ching-Wu Chu, a world leader in superconductivity research, has received a $2.8 million grant to explore novel materials that can operate at higher temperatures and have greater current carrying capacity. This funding will enable the development of more compact and lighter power devices with higher energy densities.
The US is losing its leadership in discovering and growing new crystalline materials due to a decline in industrial research labs and foreign investment. The National Academy report highlights the Ames Laboratory as a center for new materials research and training ground for young researchers.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have conducted a basic chemistry experiment in a world's smallest test tube, measuring thousandth of human hair diameter. The nano-scale test tube was heated and observed to melt gold at its tip, demonstrating well-known phenomena like melting, capillarity and diffusion at nanoscale.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a sustainable solution to the global period poverty issue by creating affordable sanitary pads from locally sourced, organic materials. The pads will be sold at a lower cost than existing brands, making them accessible to millions of women in impoverished countries.
Researchers at NIST developed a new reference material, Beryllium Oxide Powder (SRM 1877), which mimics the form of beryllium to which workers are exposed, enabling more representative toxicological studies and sensitive monitoring. This will facilitate effective clean-up of contaminated areas and aid in contamination control.
The researchers aim to discover new materials that can efficiently absorb sunlight and split water into clean hydrogen fuel, which could power cars and generate electricity. The project will focus on novel metal oxides as semiconductors, with the goal of creating cheap and abundant materials for sustainable energy production.
Researchers have discovered different friction forces when carbon nanotubes slide along their axis versus perpendicular to it, which could provide a new tool for assembling nanotubes into devices. The findings also offer insight into fundamental friction issues and potentially be used to sort nanotubes according to their chirality.
A unique study has successfully isolated long DNA fragments from dried, pressed plant material collected in the 1700s by Linnaeus. The findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution of plant species and may allow for the creation of a living herbarium.
The team aims to create biologically inspired material systems that can intelligently sense and actuate a network of distributed robust sensors and actuators. They will develop a robotic fish-like underwater vehicle by integrating biological investigations of fish with engineering knowledge about sensors and actuators.
Chinese researchers have created the first tunable electromagnetic gateway, using transformation optics and ferrite materials to block electromagnetic waves while allowing passage of other entities. The new configuration has optimum permittivity and permeability, making it tunable and remotely switchable.
A new material developed at the University of Virginia can visualize even minute levels of oxygen in tumors, which are associated with increased cancer aggressiveness. This technology has great promise for being able to perform measurements of tumor hypoxia cost-effectively and could lead to more effective treatments.