An international team of engineers has developed a new lightweight, 3D-printed smart architected material inspired by the cellular forms of natural porous materials such as beehives, sponge and bone, which are lightweight but robust. The team, led by engineers from the University of Glasgow, mixed a common form of industrial plastic with carbon nanotubes to create a material … [Read more...] about Engineers take cues from nature to create new self-sensing materials
Materials
Students create edible tape for fiddly foods
A group of chemical and biomolecular engineering students at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore has created an edible tape to keep burritos sealed while cooking. Inspired by their experiences with messy lunches, the students created Tastee Tape, an edible adhesive comprised of a food-grade fibrous scaffold and an organic adhesive that ensures the ingredients in your … [Read more...] about Students create edible tape for fiddly foods
Tech company unveils world-first glass-fibre suspension spring
German technology company Rheinmetall has developed a unique glass-fibre suspension spring for cars and other vehicles that offers a significant weight advantage. Recently unveiled for the first time in a prototype testbed vehicle, the springs have already undergone an intensive testing programme involving actual trials and are starting to be rolled out by a number of … [Read more...] about Tech company unveils world-first glass-fibre suspension spring
NASA scientists develop strong, durable new alloy
A team of NASA scientists has developed a new metal alloy that they say will dramatically improve the strength and durability of the components and parts used in aviation and space exploration, resulting in better and longer-lasting performance. NASA Alloy GRX-810, an oxide-dispersion-strengthened alloy, delivers enhanced mechanical properties at extreme temperatures. … [Read more...] about NASA scientists develop strong, durable new alloy
Engineers take inspiration from nature to create strong, lightweight new materials
A team of Princeton University and Georgia Tech researchers has created a new type of porous structure, designed to mimic bone, wood and other natural materials, that is lighter than traditional products and can be strategically inserted into products to provide increased stiffness in areas with high demand. The structures feature spinodal microstructures – networks of … [Read more...] about Engineers take inspiration from nature to create strong, lightweight new materials