Liquid (Reversibly) Solidifies at Room Temperature, Gets Used for 3D Prints

Researchers demonstrate sustainable 3D printing by using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) solutions (PNIPAM), which speedily and reliably turn solid by undergoing a rapid phase change when in a salt solution. This property has …read more Continue reading Liquid (Reversibly) Solidifies at Room Temperature, Gets Used for 3D Prints

New “glassy gel” materials are strangely strong, stretchy and sticky

Gels and glasses are on opposite ends of the material spectrum, but engineers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) have developed a new class called “glassy gels” that are both strong and flexible, as well as sticky and self-healing.Continue Readi… Continue reading New “glassy gel” materials are strangely strong, stretchy and sticky

Hackaday Links: March 24, 2024

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Way to rub it in, guys. As it turns out, due to family and work obligations we won’t be able to see the next Great American Eclipse, at least not …read more Continue reading Hackaday Links: March 24, 2024

“First plastic demonstrated to not create microplastics” has been tested

Even when it’s ground into microparticles, 97% of an algae-based plastic biodegrades in compost and water in under seven months, a new study has reported. The researchers hope their plastic will eventually replace existing petroleum-based ones, which h… Continue reading “First plastic demonstrated to not create microplastics” has been tested

Slippery coating keeps bacteria from hanging out in toilet bowls

It was just this August that we heard about a super-slippery 3D-printed toilet bowl, which bacteria slide right off of. Well, if you want that same sort of functionality in your existing toilet, a special coating may do the trick.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading Slippery coating keeps bacteria from hanging out in toilet bowls

Self-healing concrete patches up cracks with dormant bacteria

Concrete may seem strong and permanent, but it can be surprisingly vulnerable to the elements. Now researchers at Drexel University have demonstrated a type of self-healing concrete embedded with “BioFibers” that use bacteria to patch up cracks as they… Continue reading Self-healing concrete patches up cracks with dormant bacteria

Inkbit tech 3D-prints complex multi-material items in a single session

3D printing single objects out of different materials can be difficult, if those materials cure at different rates. The new Inkbit system addresses that problem, and has been used to print a highly complex functional robotic hand … in just one print jo… Continue reading Inkbit tech 3D-prints complex multi-material items in a single session

A simple switch of tape could keep batteries from self-discharging

It never fails … you go to use a device that should be fully charged, but its battery has gone flat over time. Such may soon no longer be the case, however, if battery manufacturers simply start using a different type of adhesive tape.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading A simple switch of tape could keep batteries from self-discharging