Researchers in Switzerland have found a way to dramatically cut cement’s carbon footprint by redesigning its recipe. Their system simulates thousands of ingredient combinations, pinpointing those that keep cement strong while emitting far less carbon dioxide in seconds. The cement industry produces around eight percent of global CO2 emissions – more than the entire aviation … [Read more...] about AI can create climate-friendly cement recipes in seconds
Materials
A new metal design for solid-state batteries
A research team at Georgia Institute of Technology has designed a new metal for solid-state batteries that enables operation at lower pressures. While lithium metal is often used in these batteries, the team – the research group of Matthew McDowell, professor and Carter N Paden Jr distinguished chair in the George W Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the School of … [Read more...] about A new metal design for solid-state batteries
New study to explore fire safety in hybrid timber–steel buildings
New research at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand into hybrid timber–steel construction could help make housing cheaper and safer. Led by associate professor Anthony Abu, the research team hopes to resolve fire safety concerns that have so far restricted the wider adoption of hybrid timber buildings. ‘We believe our research programme can remove the fire-safety … [Read more...] about New study to explore fire safety in hybrid timber–steel buildings
Winner of low-carbon footbridge design contest announced
The Lower Thames Crossing has revealed the winner of its low-carbon footbridge contest. According to National Highways, the winning design, from Arup and Seán Harrington Architects, has set a new benchmark for sustainable design that could be used on the new road and replicated across roads countrywide. The winning design beat 32 other entries, which were judged on their … [Read more...] about Winner of low-carbon footbridge design contest announced
Individual layers of synthetic materials can collaborate for greater impact
A team of engineers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and elsewhere have found a way to mimic the physical-stress-dissipating behaviour of the layered material found in the shells of marine organisms, such as seashell nacre, by programming individual layers of synthetic material to work collaboratively under stress. The new material design is poised to enhance … [Read more...] about Individual layers of synthetic materials can collaborate for greater impact