Sugar and citric acid used to create nontoxic plywood glue

While we may think of wood as being earthy and natural, wooden materials such as plywood and particleboard typically contain formaldehyde-based adhesives that give off toxic fumes. Such is not the case with a new adhesive, however, which is made from g… Continue reading Sugar and citric acid used to create nontoxic plywood glue

Upcycled adhesive is one of the toughest materials ever reported

By carefully tinkering with the chemical structure of a common household plastic, scientists have managed to upcycle it into a reusable adhesive with unique and hugely promising properties. A small patch of the substance can be used to hold around 300 … Continue reading Upcycled adhesive is one of the toughest materials ever reported

New adhesive boasts stickiness of mussels and strength of spider silk

Adhesives that hold strong in wet environments are elusive, but could be useful for underwater repairs or healing in the body. Researchers have now developed a new type of adhesive hydrogel that combines the underwater stickiness of mussels with the st… Continue reading New adhesive boasts stickiness of mussels and strength of spider silk

Barnacle-inspired bioglue stops bleeding in as little as 15 seconds

Stemming the bleeding from a traumatic injury can save lives, but it’s hard to get adhesives to stick when blood is making everything wet. Now, MIT researchers have developed a new surgical glue that can halt bleeding within 30 seconds, inspired by the… Continue reading Barnacle-inspired bioglue stops bleeding in as little as 15 seconds

Microcapsule additive allows underwater glues to set in one minute

Although there are glues that can be applied to underwater objects, they typically require at least 24 hours to set – which can be tricky in chaotic marine environments. A new additive, however, reportedly allows underwater resin adhesives to set in ju… Continue reading Microcapsule additive allows underwater glues to set in one minute

Novel bone-inspired material grows stronger with vibration

Whether it is a structural beam supporting an apartment building or a piece of Scotch tape holding together a school science project, we’re accustomed to the idea of materials becoming weaker as they age, but a new creation at the University of Chicago… Continue reading Novel bone-inspired material grows stronger with vibration

Magnetically-activated epoxy bonds fast using a fraction of the energy

Ordinarily, epoxies are cured by exposure to either heat or ultraviolet light. Both have their drawbacks, which are nicely avoided by a new epoxy that hardens when passed through a magnetic field.Continue ReadingCategory: Materials, ScienceTags: Nanyan… Continue reading Magnetically-activated epoxy bonds fast using a fraction of the energy