[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Effect of cation types on electrochromic properties of titanium dioxide nanocrystals
Researchers in China unravel the effect of different valence cations on the electrochromic properties of titanium dioxide nanocrystals. Experimental results and theoretical calculations showed Zn2+ can bring the required fast switching, high contrast, and high stability for electrochromic devices.
The ‘dense’ potential of nanostructured superconductors
Shibaura Institute of Technology researchers used spark plasma sintering to prepare bulk magnesium diboride with a density that reached 95% of the theoretical limit for the material. Analysis showed the presence of nanograins and a large number of grain boundaries in the sample.
ENVIRONMENT
Researchers use microwaves, ecofriendly chemicals to recycle glass fibers
Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi developed a new method to recycle glass fiber reinforced polymers from wind turbine blades. Microwaves are used to help the chemical degradation of the fibers with ecofriendly chemicals, such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
Sustainable concrete cuts emissions and uses waste for better buildings
Researchers led by Flinders University demonstrated how geopolymers reinforced with renewable natural fibers and made with industrial by-products and waste-based sands from lead smelting or glass-making can match the strength, durability, and drying shrinkage qualities of those containing natural sand.
Modern live-work residence built with 14,000 recycled tiles
In India, architecture firm Koshy P. Koshy designed an elegant live-work residence that prominently features repurposed materials like Mangalore tiles, steel, and windows—all salvaged from a derelict textile factory situated about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.
AI predicts physics of future fault slip in laboratory earthquakes
Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers developed an artificial-intelligence approach borrowed from natural-language processing that can predict future fault friction and the next failure time with high resolution in laboratory earthquakes.
OTHER STORIES
Engineers develop a new kind of shape-memory material
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers discovered a new category of shape-memory materials made from modified zirconia.
Researchers develop thermoformable ceramics
Northeastern University researchers discovered a boron nitride-based ceramic that can be compression-molded into complex parts. Its underlying microstructure uniquely allows the ceramic to quickly transmit heat and flow effectively during the molding process.
Cleaning technique boosts electronic, photonic prospects of aluminum nitride
Researchers led by Cornell University developed an aluminum-assisted surface cleaning technique that removes impurities from a substrate and enables the deposited aluminum nitride to maintain its nitrogen polarity.