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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·DateMay 29, 2025

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·DateOct 23, 2023

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·DateDec 2, 2022

Mimicking the Earth’s crust: Examining solidification of Mg–C–O–H systems by cold sintering

Researchers from Nagoya Institute of Technology investigated the solidification mechanism of magnesium carbonate and hydroxide systems using cold sintering. The study found that water played a crucial role in promoting dissolution-precipitation reactions, enabling densification at lower temperatures.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalCeramics International·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022

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·DateSep 1, 2022

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.

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·DateOct 14, 2021

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·DateSep 23, 2021

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·DateNov 18, 2020

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·DateOct 12, 2020

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.

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·DateSep 2, 2016

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·DateDec 6, 2005

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·DateJun 17, 1999