composite

Bio-inspired ceramic–metal composite stands its ground against cutting tools

By April Gocha / September 1, 2020

A team of researchers in the U.K. and Germany developed a ceramic–metal composite that, despite being just 15% as dense as steel, is nearly uncuttable. The material harnesses the power of vibration to direct cutting tools’ destructive energy back upon themselves, wearing the tools down before they can inflict serious damage on the material.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / January 24, 2018

Ultrathin black phosphorus for solar-driven hydrogen economy, scientists discover perovskite material ideal for smart photovoltaic windows, and other materials stories that may be of interest for January 24, 2018.

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Could this structure allow 3-D printed polymers to replace ceramic materials in body armor?

By April Gocha / June 20, 2017

Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology have taken inspiration from conch shells to develop a 3-D printing technique that can build composite materials with incredible toughness.

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Team develops damage-tolerant, fatigue-resistant, and biocompatible ceramic–metal composite

By April Gocha / April 11, 2017

Researchers at the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid in Spain have developed a new zirconium dioxide–tantalum ceramic–metal composite, or biocermet, with an unprecedented combination of high toughness, strength, damage tolerance, and fatigue resistance.

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Method quickly infiltrates ceramic foams with molten metal to create stable cermet composites

By April Gocha / January 31, 2017

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed a current-activated pressure-assisted infiltration method that can quickly and efficiently combine ceramics and metals into stable, high-performance cermet composites.

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Video: Nothing silly about super-sensors made of ‘Silly Putty’ and graphene

By Eileen De Guire / December 14, 2016

Trinity College researchers have mixed graphene with homemade “Silly Putty” to make a composite with extraordinary electromechanical response.

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Video: Oak Ridge Lab additively manufactures Guinness world record-breaking largest 3-D-printed object

By April Gocha / September 28, 2016

Oak Ridge National Lab (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) recently used its Big Additive Manufacturing Machine to shatter the Guinness world record for the largest 3-D-printed solid object.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / August 31, 2016

Reducing expensive metals for fuel cell reactions, new tandem cell is innovating solar, and other materials stories that may be of interest for August 31, 2016.

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Bioglass stretches further, shows promise for cartilage repair

By April Gocha / May 26, 2016

Researchers at Imperial College London are making strides towards one day being able to fix cartilage with a new formulation of bioglass that bends and bounces.

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The more brittle, the better—Defects key to ‘greener’ concrete manufacturing practices

By Stephanie Liverani / April 12, 2016

Researchers at Rice University in Houston, Texas, say looking at defects could be key to ‘greener’ concrete production that will reduce concrete manufacturing’s impact on climate change.

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