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Laser technique revolutionizes ultra-high temperature ceramic manufacturing for space, defense applications

Researchers have demonstrated a new technique using lasers to create ceramics that can withstand ultra-high temperatures. The technique allows for the creation of ceramic coatings, tiles, or complex three-dimensional structures, enabling increased versatility in engineering new devices and technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·TypeExperimental study

Fixing cracks in space bricks with bacteria

Researchers at IISc developed a bacteria-based technique to repair lunar bricks damaged by harsh temperatures and solar winds. The process uses Sporosarcina pasteurii to produce calcium carbonate crystals that fill defects and strengthen the brick.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalFrontiers in Space Technologies
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A step on the way to solid-state batteries

Researchers developed a sinter-free method for efficient, low-temperature synthesis of lithium ceramic, enabling the creation of solid-state batteries with higher power density and lower production costs. This breakthrough could accelerate the transition to electric vehicles by reducing the reliance on conventional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study

Methods for building lunar landing pads may involve microwaving moon soil

University of Central Florida researchers have discovered a method that uses microwaves to melt lunar soil, coupled with beneficiation technology, may be the best option for building safe and economical lunar landing pads. This approach could increase microwave absorption by up to 80% using magnetic fields, making it more energy-effici...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNew Space·TypeExperimental study

Advances in selective laser sintering of polymers

Researchers at Fudan University reviewed fundamental mechanisms and recent developments in selective laser sintering of polymers. The study highlights the need for innovative materials, sintering methods, and post-processing techniques to improve the efficiency and performance of SLS polymer parts.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Miniature permanent magnets can be printed on a 3D printer

Scientists have successfully printed thin, one-millimeter-thick permanent magnets using selective laser sintering, retaining suitable characteristics for industrial use. This breakthrough enables complex magnet configurations necessary for pacemakers and minimizes production waste.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

The “dense” potential of nanostructured superconductors

Researchers have successfully prepared highly dense superconducting bulk magnesium diboride with a high current density using an unconventional spark plasma sintering method. The material exhibits excellent superconducting properties, including a high critical current density of up to 6.75 x 10^5 ampere/cm^2 at -253°C.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalNanomaterials·TypeExperimental study
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Keeping bulk magnesium diboride superconducting at higher current densities

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology developed an optimized recipe to retain superconductivity in bulk MgB2 by enhancing its critical current density. By combining sintering conditions with controlled addition of nanometer-sized amorphous boron and dysprosium oxide, the team achieved a superior critical current density.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study

Thermal insulation for quantum technologies

Scientists at HZB created sintered porous silicon-aluminum nanomaterials with reduced thermal conductivity using a novel process. The resulting materials have tiny pores, crystalline nanoparticles, and domain boundaries that suppress heat conduction.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study

UCF lands selective new DOD award to advance hypersonic propulsion research

The University of Central Florida has received a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Defense award to develop high-performance fuels for hypersonic propulsion. The project aims to create new solid fuels that can provide wider flammability limits and longer range while constraining volume.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The next big thing: How do scientists bring hydrogen fuel cells from laboratory to public life?

Researchers at USTC have successfully synthesized small-sized Pt intermetallic nanoparticle catalysts with ultralow Pt loading and high mass activity. These catalysts exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, potentially decreasing the cost of fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience

Nanoscale lattices flow from 3D printer

Rice materials scientists develop a method to print arbitrary 3D shapes, creating micro-scale electronic, mechanical and photonic devices. The process involves two-photon polymerization and doping with rare earth salts for photoluminescent properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study

Fabricating MgB2 superconductors using spark plasma sintering and pulse magnetization

New research from Shibaura Institute of Technology reveals that spark plasma sintering produces highly dense MgB2 bulks with improved mechanical and superconducting properties. The resulting samples exhibit superior strengths and high trapped field performance, making them suitable for space applications and electric machines.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering B·TypeExperimental study
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Researchers quantify critical particle distance

Researchers from University of Science and Technology of China have quantified the critical particle distance to inhibit metal sintering in catalysts. The study found that adjusting particle spacing can significantly impact sintering, with PMC dominant at short distances and OR dominant at long distances.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications

Solid-state batteries could be made more cleanly by scaling-up flash sintering

Researchers at WMG, University of Warwick have developed routes to mitigate the effects of thermal gradients on microstructure, enabling wider use of flash sintering. Adopting these modified flash sintering routes will enable lower energy production of solid-state batteries and complex ceramic products.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMRS Bulletin

Scientists optimized technology for production of optical materials for microelectronics

Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University develop a new approach to high-speed synthesis of Nd3+:YAG optical ceramics, reducing consolidation time by 10-100 times and improving their transparency. The technique enables the production of diode-pumped microlasers with short lasing pulse duration, high peak power, and beam quality.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University

Printed solid-state batteries

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method for creating high-quality, high-performance solid-state electrolyte thin films. This 'printing and radiative heating' approach enables rapid production of dense and uniform films with superior ionic conductivity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances

Engineers print wearable sensors directly on skin without heat

Researchers developed a novel technique to produce high-performing biometric sensors by printing them directly on human skin at room temperature. The sensors can capture precise temperature, humidity, blood oxygen levels, and heart performance signals, and are environmentally friendly, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Laser inversion enables multi-materials 3D printing

Researchers invent new laser inversion technique to overcome SLS limitations, enabling simultaneous printing of multiple materials. The process allows for stronger, denser materials and complex multi-material parts without assembly, expanding industries such as aerospace, automotive, and robotics.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalAdditive Manufacturing

Cold sintering produces capacitor material at record low temperatures

Researchers have produced barium titanate ceramics using cold sintering at record low temperatures, achieving high quality without the need for secondary heating. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient manufacturing and reduced environmental impacts.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the European Ceramic Society
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Ceramic industry should use carbon reducing cold sintering process says new research

A new techno-economic analysis reveals the cold sintering process offers financial and environmental benefits for ceramic manufacturers. The study found that using CSP reduces energy use and capital costs, making it the most economically attractive option for producing ceramics.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of the European Ceramic Society

FEFU scientists to broaden ideas about reactive sintering of transparent ceramics

Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University propose pre-annealing green bodies to regulate mesostructure, leading to reduced porosity and improved laser efficiency. The study aims to establish a detailed correlation between initial green body homogeneity and final material properties.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalJournal of the European Ceramic Society

Laser sintering optimized for printed electronics

Researchers have developed a more efficient method for laying down thin-film circuitry using copper nanoparticle ink with green laser light. The study found that optimal settings for laser power and scanning speed can enhance conductivity, while sintering reduces film thickness by up to 74%.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Technique to easily fabricate ceramic films used as OPV inter-layers developed

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a technique to fabricate ceramic ultra-thin films using solution process, achieving high power conversion efficiency. The technique eliminates the need for heating, drastically reducing production cost and environmental impact.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports

Sintering atomically thin materials with ceramics now possible

A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a cold sintering process to create nanocomposites of ceramics and 2D materials, known as MXenes. This innovation enables the production of high-performance materials with potential applications in solid-state batteries, thermoelectrics, and more.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials

Oxide sintering by air pressure control

The study successfully uses an air-pressure control furnace to rapidly synthesize Li2O-Nb2O5-TiO2 solid solutions, achieving material synthesis in a shorter period than conventional electric furnaces. The researchers attribute this success to the oxygen diffusion mechanism involving interstitial oxygen.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMaterials
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Firing up a new alloy

A new alloy is being developed through the testing of a sintering process in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. The investigation uses liquid phase sintering to study the degree of distortion caused by microgravity, with potential applications for space manufacturing and Earth-based industries.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center

Researcher pioneers solar sintering for crucial steel component

Researchers have successfully used solar sintering to process manganese ore fines, eliminating fossil fuel combustion and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 100%. This innovative method could lead to a commercial solar sintering industry, replacing carbon-intensive steel production methods in South Africa.

SourceSolarPACES·JournalAIP Advances

Advance in intense pulsed light sintering opens door to improved electronics manufacturing

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new method for sintering nanoparticles using intense pulsed light, enabling faster and more efficient production of advanced flexible electronics. The breakthrough allows for larger areas to be processed in seconds, reducing the need for high-temperature equipment.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNanotechnology

3-D graphene has promise for bio applications

Researchers have developed a porous, highly compressive 3D graphene material suitable for bone implants, demonstrating its potential as a replacement for titanium. The technique uses spark plasma sintering to weld nanoscale graphene sheets, producing materials with high mechanical strength and biocompatibility.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Photonic 'sintering' may create new solar, electronics manufacturing technologies

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a fundamental flaw in the physics of photonic sintering, leading to improved product quality and process efficiency. The new understanding allows for high-quality products to be created at much lower temperatures, twice as fast and with 10 times more energy efficiency.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Reports

Researcher finds faster, more efficient technique for creating high-density ceramics

A researcher at North Carolina State University has created a more efficient method for producing high-density ceramic materials. The new technique, known as selective-melt sintering, allows for the creation of ceramics with no porosity and increased strength in just under a second.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScripta Materialia

Leeds engineers developing bulletproof vests from cement

The University of Leeds is working on a new type of body armor made from cement, combining super-strong cement with recycled carbon fibre materials to create a material tough enough to withstand most types of bullets. The project aims to provide cost-effective protection for people at risk, such as security guards and reporters.

SourceUniversity of Leeds

Saving soldiers: Better body armor expected from new material formation process

A Georgia Institute of Technology researcher has developed a new boron carbide formation process that increases the hardness and improves the ballistic performance of the material used in body armor. The new method can yield higher relative densities and better ballistic performance than currently available methods.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalJournal of Materials Research

New USC process offers faster, cheaper 3D 'printouts'

Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis has developed a new machine that can produce 3D 'printouts' in plastic and metal more quickly and cheaply than existing systems. The 'Selective Inhibition of Sintering' (SIS) process uses high heat to melt only selected areas, reducing energy intensity and cost.

SourceUniversity of Southern California
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Metal parts made in the microwave oven

A team of Penn State researchers successfully used microwave sintering to produce machine components with improved mechanical properties in just 10-30 minutes, compared to traditional sintering methods which take long periods of time and large amounts of energy.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature

Shape Changes In Ceramic Particles: A Paradox Explained

Researchers have resolved a long-standing paradox in the theory of sintering ceramics by proposing a new model that explains shape changes during the process. The model takes into account energy differences among differently oriented surfaces and edges, reducing total energy through shape changes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society