Materials Science – News and Features

Deconstructing epoxy resins with hot acetic acid has the potential to provide a scalable and affordable solution for recycling the carbon fiber composites used in aircraft, cars, defense and other technologies.

Scientists have recreated an ancient golden silk fiber used historically by emperors and popes. The recreation could open the door to more sustainable, dye-free fabrics and materials.

Researchers have developed a novel approach to making lab-grown cartilage, using electrically-conductive graphene foam to apply direct electrical stimulation during progenitor cell growth. The method results in mechanically stronger cartilage.

Scientists have demonstrated the first case of low-noise, room temperature hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) made through scalable growth techniques. This material synthesis could be used as a possible qubit platform for quantum tech.

Scientists have created a new material – inspired by the natural impact-resistance of the mantis shrimp exoskeleton – that could be used to improve bullet-proof glass, blast-resistant building materials, aerospace materials and more.

Using ultrafast infrared nanospectroscopic imaging, researchers have been able to directly observe exciton dynamics in carbon nanotubes for the first time. These insights could lead to improved optoelectronic devices and quantum technologies.

Scientists have developed a new type of nanoparticle made from a medical polymer and blood protein that can carry larger amounts of disease-fighting drugs and remain stable for longer than current alternative nanoparticle systems.

Researchers have developed a new, printable gel material that contains photosynthetic cyanobacteria. When printed, the material actively removes carbon dioxide from the air in two different manners.

A new AI model is helping researchers identify new cement recipes that will emit significantly less CO₂ while maintaining good mechanical properties. The model is accelerating the search for climate-friendly cement formulations.

Researchers have developed a new image sensor made of perovskite. This semiconductor material enables better colour reproduction and fewer image artefacts with less light, making them well-suited for medical analysis and machine vision.