Mechanical properties news, October 2017

Julie Christodoulou, recipient of the 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Hollomon Award

Gold-coated paper produces flexible supercapacitor

Coating paper with gold nanoparticles produces a flexible supercapacitor that could be used to help power wearable devices.

Novel conductive coating keeps fingers nice and toasty

Using a coating of conductive polymer, scientists have come up with a new technique for creating electrically heated clothing such as gloves.

‘Jiggle and wiggle’ simulations explain metal strength

Using dynamic atomistic simulations, researchers have resolved every ‘jiggle and wiggle’ of atomic motion that underlies metal strength.

Nanoparticle-polymer octopus creates ‘bijels’ to order

A new 2D film made of polymers and nanoparticles can direct two different non-mixing liquids into a variety of exotic architectures.

Surface texture keeps katydids on the hop

Frictional, structural, and mechanical studies of hind leg femur-tibia joint of katydids reveals novel antifriction and antiwear properties.

Study into beer foam could lead to better concrete

Micrometer-sized particles can be used to stabilize beer foam, and could also lead to the development of advanced functional materials.

Introducing Materials Science Research at Heliyon

Pull don’t push for silk production

A new study shows that animals spin silk by pulling rather than pushing it out of their bodies, which could improve the processing of synthetic materials.