Collaborate Disseminate
We’ve already heard about implantable materials with a scaffolding-like microstructure, that help heal broken bones by giving bone cells a place to migrate into. A new one could work even better, though, by also providing electrical stimulation.Continu… Continue reading Electrified scaffolding could one day heal broken bones
We’ve already heard about implantable materials with a scaffolding-like microstructure, that help heal broken bones by giving bone cells a place to migrate into. A new one could work even better, though, by also providing electrical stimulation.Continu… Continue reading Electrified scaffolding could one day heal broken bones
When it comes to replacing faulty heart valves, there are two options – a metallic artificial valve, or a biological one obtained from a pig or cow. There could soon be a third and perhaps better choice, though, in the form of a polymer replacement hea… Continue reading Polymer heart valve is said to combine best features of other types
Chitin derived from shrimps, mushrooms, and other organisms may lead to new 3D-printed, multi-layered polymer coatings to protect soldiers against bullets, lasers, toxic gases, microbes, and other hazards.Continue ReadingCategory: Materials, ScienceTag… Continue reading Shrimp shells to serve as the basis for new multi-protective coatings
Chitin derived from shrimps, mushrooms, and other organisms may lead to new 3D-printed, multi-layered polymer coatings to protect soldiers against bullets, lasers, toxic gases, microbes, and other hazards.Continue ReadingCategory: Materials, ScienceTag… Continue reading Shrimp shells to serve as the basis for new multi-protective coatings
As readers who live in cold climates will likely already know, winter is not kind to concrete. That could be about to change, though, thanks to a polymer additive that mimics natural antifreeze.Continue ReadingCategory: Materials, ScienceTags: Universi… Continue reading Synthetic version of natural antifreeze used in longer-lasting concrete
Found in crustacean shells, chitin is a natural polymer that has many uses once processed. Now, scientists have developed a fruit waste-based fermentation process for getting it out of those shells – and the technique results in better-quality chitin, … Continue reading Fruit waste used to harvest polymer from seafood waste
Once discarded, spongy polyurethane foam typically just ends up in landfills, where it takes up a lot of space. Thanks to a newly-developed process, however, it could soon be recycled into higher-quality rubbers and hard plastics.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading New process “upcycles” foam waste into higher-value materials
While many of us might think that concrete structures such as bridges simply stand unaided for decades at a time, the fact is that they require maintenance as often as once every five years. An experimental new type of rebar, however, could d… Continue reading Polymer rebar may find use in much more durable concrete structures
While shape-memory materials do have some interesting potential applications, many of them require the application of heat in order to change shape – and that could cause problems, in temperature-sensitive environments such as the human body…. Continue reading Stiffer shape-memory material utilizes magnetically-activated liquid