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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 […]

10/02/2019 / By Edsel Cook

New polythene film can make cracked screens a thing of the past

Cracks and similar damage might occur less often in plastic materials that went through a newly developed manufacturing method. Developed by U.K. researchers, the process produces transparent polythene film with the durability of aluminum at a far lower weight. The plastics produced by this technique may one day see use in displays, glazing, visors, windscreens, and […]

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. […]

09/13/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Adding vanadium to lithium-ion batteries makes it possible to charge them “in a matter of minutes”

Many investigators have looked for alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, with others seeking out ways to tweak the performance of the existing energy storage devices. A recent study by researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York suggests using vanadium in the battery’s cathode. This will result in the cell charging much faster while still storing a considerable […]

09/01/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Researchers develop new coating for textile fibers that can protect against toxic industrial chemicals

Industrial workers and soldiers alike are often exposed to deadly chemicals in the workplace. Now, they might breathe in relief thanks to a new metal-organic framework. When applied to the fibers of various textiles, the coating will catch and trap deadly chemicals, keeping the toxic substances from ever reaching the wearer. The metal-organic framework promises […]

08/25/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Biodegradable “transparent” timber works just as well as glass in windows

Swedish researchers fiddled with wood until they managed to turn it technically transparent. They also made the biodegradable material capable of absorbing heat from sunlight and releasing it during colder periods. If used in the windows of buildings, the revolutionary material might help save energy by reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. It […]

08/25/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Scientists develop liquid that changes color with heat

Thermochromic materials are “smart” materials that change their color depending on the temperature of their surroundings. Recently, a Singaporean research team presented a liquid that grew much darker as it got hotter. Their invention might prove useful in smart windows and other applications that respond to temperature changes. Unlike earlier examples that relied on dyes […]

08/08/2019 / By Edsel Cook

New cathodes can lead to smaller, more powerful lithium batteries

A joint effort between American and Chinese researchers have delivered a new take on the cathode of a lithium battery. Their prototype negatively-charged electrode will help reduce the size and weight of energy storage systems. A smaller, lighter lithium battery makes it possible to fit more cells aboard electric vehicles, extending their range and endurance. […]

07/16/2019 / By Edsel Cook

From tires to shoes, disposable rubber items may soon be able to self-repair

Rubber items may one day be able to regenerate any damage they incur from everyday wear and tear, plus the occasional accident. California-based researchers developed a self-repairing rubber material that’s compatible with 3D printing methods. Qiming Wang led the University of Southern California (USC) research team. An assistant professor at the USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, Wang is also […]

07/02/2019 / By Edsel Cook

Renewable fire-retardant coating developed by researchers

Few materials can match the performance of cellulose and clay: They’re readily available, nontoxic, and sustainable. Researchers from Texas A&M University leveraged the characteristics of these natural substances to invent a renewable flame-retardant coating. The new coating offers a whole new level of fire protection for polyurethane foam and other highly flammable materials. Furthermore, it’s made from some of […]

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