The physics behind gel formation
26 June, 2023It was previously believed that the solid nature of gels emerges through glass formation.
Novel crystal compound melts under UV light
16 June, 2023While many materials melt when heated, Japanese researchers have discovered a novel material in which melting can be induced by ultraviolet light instead of being induced only by heat.
A simple process for producing 2D materials
07 June, 2023Surface scientists have developed a simple method to produce large and very clean 2D samples from a range of materials using three different substrates.
Shapeshifting robot can turn from a liquid to a solid
16 February, 2023Engineers have designed miniature robots that can rapidly and reversibly shift between liquid and solid states, as well as being able to conduct electricity.
Versatile hydrogel made from squid tissues and polymers
25 January, 2023Researchers have combined natural squid tissues with synthetic polymers to develop a strong and versatile hydrogel that mimics many of the properties of biological tissues.
Strong and biodegradable plastic developed
17 January, 2023A polyester plastic of great mechanical stability, which is also easily recyclable and even compostable, has been developed at the University of Konstanz.
Microplastics can harbour viruses, come off during cooking
14 November, 2022Viruses can hitchhike on microplastics and prolong their infectivity, and non-stick cookware can release millions of microplastics as it loses its coating.
Rare form of diamond discovered in meteorites
14 September, 2022Australian scientists have confirmed the existence of lonsdaleite, a rare hexagonal form of diamond, in ureilite meteorites from inside an ancient dwarf planet.
3D printed, nanostructured alloy is both strong and ductile
19 August, 2022Researchers 3D printed a dual-phase, nanostructured high-entropy alloy that is said to exceed the strength and ductility of other additively manufactured materials.
Lloyd TA1 food texture analyser for testing meat chewiness
01 August, 2022The Lloyd TA1 food texture analyser is suitable for conducting detailed texture analysis on food and packaging with applications up to 1 kN.
Limpet-inspired biomaterial features super strength
11 July, 2022Researchers mimicked limpet tooth formation in a laboratory and used it to create a new composite biomaterial — one which could rival the strength of synthetics.
'Catalytic condenser' gives metal chameleonic properties
27 May, 2022Researchers have invented a device that electronically converts one metal into behaving like another to use as a catalyst for speeding up chemical reactions.
Bioactive glass, laced with metal oxides, kills bacteria
23 March, 2022Scientists have found a way to significantly increase the antimicrobial properties of a material used in many medical devices and clinical surfaces: glass.
Lotus-like bioplastic repels liquid and dirt
10 February, 2022The self-cleaning bioplastic repels liquids and dirt — just like a lotus leaf — then breaks down rapidly once in soil.
Nanosheets could enable lightweight PPE for firefighters
04 February, 2022Scientists are working to commercialise advanced products for firefighting, building protection and other applications, utilising a material known as MXene.
