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materials science

03/06/2020 / By Franz Walker

“Pantry” science: MIT researchers grow carbon nanotubes using common kitchen ingredients

When the subject of carbon nanotubes is brought up, most people probably won’t think of something that can be cooked up in a kitchen. However, a team of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have done just that – creating carbon nanotubes with the help of common household materials. Led by Richard Li, a graduate student in […]

02/13/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Seashell-inspired shatterproof glass: Researchers engineer strong composite glass based on mother of pearl that can resist impact

Despite their delicate appearance, seashells are surprisingly durable. This unexpected durability comes from the tough, impact-resistant substance known as nacre, also known as mother of pearl. Nacre is an organic-inorganic composite material that also gives seashells their signature iridescence. It is made up of microscopic calcium carbonate tablets mortared together by proteins. Arranged like bricks, […]

02/04/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Scientists develop new insulation material inspired by polar bears

It’s a well-known fact that living organisms have evolved well-adapted structures and materials over geological time through a process called natural selection. These include unique properties such as hydrophobicity or natural waterproofing, heat retention, bioluminescence and coloration as well as unique methods of flight and locomotion. Throughout history, scientists and engineers have made it a […]

10/31/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Advancing detection and diagnosis: Scientists enable 3D printers to print glass using material called chalcogenide glass

Additive manufacturing systems have added another challenging material to the list of things they may print on the fly. Canadian researchers demonstrated the capability to print out chalcogenide glass with a modified 3D printer. Chalcogenide glass is a type of covalently bonded glass that contains certain chemicals called “chalcogens.” It sees extensive use in optical […]

10/29/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Understanding metallic glass: Scientists discover liquid metals form structures that help solidify metallic glasses

When you think of liquids, they usually don’t form structures that stop their atoms and molecules from flowing freely. But Yale researchers demonstrated that the right circumstances allow liquid metals to create the rigid shapes required by metallic glasses. Furthermore, they proposed that the structures formed by liquid metals might play a significant role in […]

10/14/2019 / By Darnel Fernandez

New polymer conductor films are lightweight and perform better than most metals

Many polymers – materials made with long, chain-like molecules – are very good insulators of heat and are usually the go-to material for thermal insulation. However, a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications managed to turn the idea of polymer insulators on its head as researchers were able to develop polymer films that can conduct heat, a property normally associated […]

09/29/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Manufacturing breakthrough: Scientists can now weld glass and metal together

The manufacturing industry has recently welcomed what might prove a breakthrough technology. Scottish researchers showed off a new welding method that uses an incredibly fast laser to fuse together glass and metal. Glass and metal are two of the most common classes of materials used for various purposes. Due to their very different thermal properties, […]

09/29/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Healing with hair: Can nanostructures from human hair be used to design smart biomedical materials?

In the future, your hair may provide the natural ingredients for making biomedicine that treats illness. A recent Chinese study has shown that the tiny structures in human hair might be turned into useful biomaterials. Wuhan University (WHU) researchers examined the melanin and keratin polymers in hair. They isolated the micro- and nanostructures found on these substances. […]

09/17/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Sustainable sports equipment? It’s now possible with the Gigabot X, an open-source industrial 3D printer

An innovative approach to 3D printing may open the door to sustainable outdoor sporting goods. Fused particle fabrication (FPF) allows an additive manufacturing system to create skateboards and snowshoes from recycled plastic. The FPF method makes it possible to use waste plastic as feed material for a 3D printer. The resulting end products meet the special requirements of […]

09/05/2019 / By Zoey Sky

Single-use no more: Plastic bottles can be upcycled to more durable materials

Single-use plastics cause plastic pollution, a problem that affects rivers, lakes, and oceans. To address this concern, researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a recycling process that turns various materials made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into other useful products that will last longer. NREL’s research was published in the journal Joule. What is […]

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