Tungsten carbide is one of those materials engineers love, and manufacturers often curse. It's incredibly hard, remarkably wear-resistant, and capable of surviving conditions that would quickly destroy most metals. The downside? It's also notoriously difficult to manufacture. Researchers have now demonstrated a new form of industrial 3D printing that could make producing … [Read more...] about Could 3D printing transform tungsten carbide manufacturing?
Materials
Imperial engineers develop faster-degrading latex for balloons
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a modified latex material for balloons that is designed to break down more quickly after disposal while retaining the strength, elasticity and performance of conventional products. Developed by the Department of Chemical Engineering, the material aims to reduce the environmental impact of discarded balloons by improving … [Read more...] about Imperial engineers develop faster-degrading latex for balloons
Advances in ultra-black coating technology bring new opportunities for engineering applications
Producing surfaces that absorb almost all visible light remains an important challenge in optical materials engineering. Instead of relying solely on dark pigments, researchers are designing materials with microscopic surface structures that trap incoming light, leaving almost nothing to be reflected. The result is a surface that appears strikingly black, even under bright … [Read more...] about Advances in ultra-black coating technology bring new opportunities for engineering applications
AI-driven analysis reveals new proteins from the deep ocean
A study published in Nature has mapped millions of genes from deep-sea microorganisms collected at hydrothermal vents, methane seeps and deep-ocean trenches. The work revealed an unexpected level of genetic diversity, with researchers reporting that more than 60% of the proteins identified had not previously appeared in public DNA databases. Finding them was only part of the … [Read more...] about AI-driven analysis reveals new proteins from the deep ocean
University research develops adaptive metamaterial inspired by rice
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have uncovered an unexpected property of ordinary rice that has led to the development of a new type of mechanical metamaterial with potential applications in robotics, manufacturing and impact protection. The team found that, unlike most granular materials, rice becomes less resistant when compressed quickly. Sand, for example, … [Read more...] about University research develops adaptive metamaterial inspired by rice