Materials news, August 2016

Ginger nanoparticles could help alleviate inflammatory bowel disease: Study

Graphene balloons don’t burst under pressure

Tiny balloons made from graphene can withstand pressures higher than those at the bottom of the deepest ocean.

Conducting COF combines best of batteries and supercapacitors

By combining a covalent organic framework with a conducting polymer, scientists have produced an efficient electrode material for batteries.

Death of distinguished PM specialist

Winfried J Huppmann, a distinguished member of the international PM community, passed away on 13 August 2016, reports the MPIF.

New agreement to produce low cost carbon fiber

LeMond Composites, a company offering solutions for high-volume, low-cost carbon fiber, has secured a licensing agreement with ORNL.

Grant to develop fast computational modeling for AM

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have received a US$350,000 grant to develop new, computational methods for AM.

NetComposites launches Composites in Sport conference

NetComposites has launched a new, one-day conference spotlighting the current and future use of composite materials in sport.

Porous lithium garnet makes effective solid electrolyte

Scientists have developed a solid-state lithium ion battery with a porous lithium garnet electrolyte and a viscous electrode that seeps into the pores.

CCAI awards 2016 scholarships

The Chemical Coaters Association has announced the recipients of the organization’s scholarships for 2016.

PC Summit to return in October

The next US Powder Coating (PC) Summit is scheduled for 4-5 October 2016, in Columbus, Ohio, USA.

New TenCate CEO

Jan Albers has been appointed member and chairman of the executive board of Royal Ten Cate.

Turkey creates center of composite excellence

Kordsa Global and Sabanci University have combined their forces to open a composite technologies center of excellence.

SPE announces winners of auto composites conference scholarships

The SPE has announced the winners of the group's three annual SPE ACCE scholarships.

EOS completes pilot phase for 3D printing process monitoring system

AM specialist EOS plans to introduce its EOSTATE MeltPool processing monitoring system to pilot customers, the company says.

Date set for atomizing short course

Atomising Systems Ltd has announced the dates of their next short course on atomization for metal powders.

Höganäs awarded two brazing prizes

Höganäs has won two awards for best paper and best poster at the 11th International Conference on Brazing.

Gurit achieves 3% net sales growth in the first half of 2016

Gurit reports net sales of CHF 182 million for the first half of 2016, a currency-adjusted growth of 3% over the previous year.

AM conference call for presentations

An official call for presentations has been announced for the AMPM2017 show.

3A Composites wins Airbus qualification

3A Composites has won qualification from Airbus for its AIREX R82.80 rigid core.

Wood windows are cooler than glass

Windows made of transparent wood could offer more even and consistent natural lighting and better energy efficiency than glass.

Powdermet2017 call for papers

An official call for papers and posters has been announced for Powdermet2017.

Linde AG confirms preliminary talks about potential merger

Gas specialist Linde AG has confirmed that it is in preliminary talks about a potential merger with Praxair Inc.

Hexagon and Allegheny form JV

Hexagon Lincoln has entered into a joint venture agreement with Allegheny Creative Energy Solutions LLC (ACES).

Carbon Editor Nikhil Koratkar elected ASME Fellow

The National Composites Centre

Reinforced Plastics spoke to Dr Tim Young from the UK's National Composites Centre.

Croft to distribute 3D scanners in the UK

UK 3D printing specialist Croft Additive Manufacturing is to distribute a range of industrial optical 3D scanners in the UK and Ireland.

rp+m acquires new AM machine

rp+m has acquired a M2 cusing metal additive machine from Concept Laser for research & development purposes.

ALMACO creates wind committee

ALMACO has created a wind committee in order to share knowledge and open new opportunities for composite materials in the wind industry.

TenCate Grass appoints new global group director

Michael Vogel has been appointed global group director of TenCate Grass, which makes synthetic turf.

Harvard licenses new material discovery platform

Harvard University has licensed a new materials discovery platform to a company developing novel OLED display technologies.

Glass fiber reinforcement chosen to make break tank

Glass fiber reinforced plastic was used to manufacture a break tank for a potable water system.

Hexagon Composites’ Q2

Hexagon Composites reports Q2 2016 operating income of NOK 315.6 million, compared to NOK 413.9 million in the same period of 2015.

Zenyatta Ventures appoints new VP

Zenyatta has appointed Mara Strazdins as VP corporate communications and investor relations.

Funding for nanodiamond materials

Carbodeon Ltd Oy has closed a €1.5 million funding round from Straightforward Capital, a Finnish venture capital firm.

Nanoparticles break up plaque and stop decay

Novel strategy to control dental plaque relies on a catalytic iron oxide nanoparticles and hydrogen peroxide.

Graphene nanoribbons go loopy in solution

Using atomic force microscopy, scientists have discovered that graphene nanoribbons naturally form folds and loops in solution.

MPG reports Q2 2016 results

Metaldyne Performance Group Inc reports Q2 2016 net sales of US$728 million, compared to US$800 million in Q2 2015.

Bright future for Chinese composites

The future of the Chinese carbon fiber market looks good, with opportunities in sporting goods, aerospace, and industrial applications.

Morgan and Penn State to establish Carbon Science Center of Excellence

Morgan Advanced Materials plans to create a Carbon Science Center of Excellence at Pennsylvania State University.

MOFs show off captured neon

Scientists have managed to elucidate the structure of two metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with neon gas captured inside them.

Blade-coating puts polymer solar cells on a roll

Using a roll-to-roll processing method, researchers have produced polymer-based solar cells with a conversion efficiency of more than 9.5%.

GKN Aerospace names premier supplier

GKN Aerospace has named SC Aerostar as its premier supplier for 2015/16.

Plansee achieves sales of more than €1 billion

The Plansee Group reports that in the 2015/16 fiscal year it achieved consolidated sales of €1.18 billion.

Carbon fiber scuptures finished with Axalta coating

Artist Alastair Gibson has created carbon fiber sculptures finished with Axalta’s Spies Hecker coating.

Best Poster Prize at EMRS Spring meeting 2016

Find out who won a prize for their poster at EMRS Spring meeting 2016.

VUVX Student Award Winners 2016

Find out about the winners of the VUVX Student Prize.

New method clears way to creating transparent transistors

Scientists have developed a new, simple method for fabricating transparent electronic circuitry using inexpensive and readily available materials.

Nanoparticle lenses see through resolution limit

New superlenses made from titanium dioxide nanoparticles can reveal surface features not previously visible through a light microscope.

Composites Germany survey results

Composites Germany has announced the results of its 7th survey of the market for fiber reinforced plastics.

Congratulations to Alexander van Driessche!

Dr. Alexander van Driessche is the winner of the 2016 Schieber Award.

2017 Acta Materialia Silver Medal Award

Jing-yang Wang is the recipient of the 2017 Acta Materialia Silver Medal.

John J. Jonas, 2017 Acta Materialia Gold Medal Recipient

John J. Jonas receives the 2017 Acta Materialia Gold Medal.

Soft approach to new glasses

Glasses based on calcium and phosphate have been synthesized using soft chemistry at low temperatures with water as a solvent.

New 3D imaging technique tracks battery charging and discharging

A new imaging technique can produce 3D chemical maps that track chemical reactions in a battery as it charges and discharges.

MOFs open window on new electrochromic material

Scientists have used metal-organic frameworks to develop a new kind of electrochromic material that can quickly change from clear to opaque.

New treatment process fixes defects in perovskite solar cells

Treating hybrid halide perovskite solar cells with a solution of methyl ammonium bromide can repair defects in the perovskite film.

Daido Steel and Honda use rare earth-free magnet

Daido Steel Co Ltd and Honda Motor Co Ltd have developed a hot deformed neodymium magnet containing no heavy rare earth.

Surface finishing association forms technology partnership

The US National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) has entered into a new partnership with the National Association of Surface Finishing (NASF).

Redelease expands semi-permanent release agent range for composites

Redelease has expanded its supply of semi-permanent release agents for composites manufacturers.

Change to the Mahle management board

The Mahle group’s supervisory board has appointed Bernd Eckl to its management board with effect from 1 January 2017.

MPG opens second manufacturing plant in China

Metaldyne Performance Group Inc is expanding its Suzhou, China operations with a second manufacturing plant.

Printed probes primed for purpose

Researchers have 3D laser lithography to produce atomic force microscopy probes of any shape and with a radius down to just 25nm.

Producing tough concrete is something and nothing

Microscopic voids and particles of calcium hydroxide play an important role in in giving concrete its strength and toughness.

Solvay to focus on lightweighting solutions at K 2016

Solvay plans to focus on its lightweighting materials, additive manufacturing technology and sustainability solutions at plastics show K 2016.

Self-assembly technique produces different patterns from same material

Scientists have found a way to direct the self-assembly of multiple molecular patterns within a single material, producing new nanoscale architectures.

Beams offer way to transmit energy in soft materials

Using the centuries-old concept of bistable beams, researchers have developed a way to send mechanical signals through soft materials.

3D printing market to grow by 23%

The global market for 3D printing will grow from nearly US$3.7 billion in 2016 to more than US$10.4 billion by 2021.

This battery will self-destruct in 30 minutes

Scientists have developed a working lithium-ion battery that dissolves away in 30 minutes when dropped in water.

Ferroelectric materials can generate power from ‘hot’ electrons

Scientists have discovered that ferroelectric materials can produce solar cells able to generate power from 'hot electrons'.

Scientists squeeze superconducting properties out of platinum

Scientists have developed a novel superconducting material by heating a mixture of platinum, lanthanum and arsenic under pressure.

Zwitterions offer protection to proteins

zwitterionic polymers – that contains an equal number of positively and negatively charged groups – can protect therapeutic proteins from immune response

SPE announces automotive composites best paper award winners

The organizing committee of ACCE have announced the Dr Jackie Rehkopf Best Paper Award winners for the show taking place from 7-9 September 2016.

Oerlikon joins America Makes

Materials processing specialist Oerlikon has joined America Makes, the US National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute.

Fives launches robotic platform

Fives Liné Machines has launched Liné Machines Robotic.

Submit your abstract for 5th International Conference on Multifunctional, Hybrid and Nanomaterials before 16 September 2016

Submit your abstract for the Fifth International Conference on Multifunctional, Hybrid and Nanomaterials from the 6 to 10 March 2017.

New dates for Compotec Seatec Yare 2017

The 9th Compotec will be taking place in Marina di Carrara, Italy, from 29–31 March 2017, concurrently with the 15th of Seatec and the 7th Yare.

Efficient solar cells require just the right dose of selenium

Scientists have discovered the optimum amount of selenium to add to cadmium-telluride solar cells to enhance their efficiency.

New microscopy technique takes charge of battery improvement

Using advanced microscopy techniques, scientists have visualized the charge/discharge reaction in lithium-ion batteries in real-time.

Bid for faster AM production

Siemens and the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology have reportedly developed a faster production process based on selective laser melting (SLM).

UC RUSAL and SAUER sign memorandum of understanding

UC RUSAL and SAUER GmbH have signed an MoU to develop industrial 3D printing technology for aluminium and aluminium alloys.

Siemens acquires AM specialist

Siemens has acquired a majority stake (85%) in Materials Solutions Ltd, a specialist in AM processing and production.

Investment in composite unmanned surface vessels

AutoNaut has secured investment from the Seiche Group to advance its research and development.

Medical and orthodontics sector to grab 24% PM share

The medical and orthodontics sector had a market share of almost 25% in the global PIM market in 2015.

Nanomaterial makes flexible electronics easier

conductive and transparent metal-coated nanofiber mats that are both could make flexible electronic devices easier to produce

Temperature controls nanotube ‘handedness’

Temperature could hold the key to growing carbon nanotubes of a particular chirality or 'handedness'

Tiny tin produces big improvement in battery lifetime

A new silicon-tin nanocomposite anode can enhance the charge capacity and extend the lifetime of lithium-ion batteries.

Carbon nanotubes stitch together stronger composites

Bonding composite layers with carbon nanotubes produces a material that is substantially stronger than other advanced composites.

Dates set for Russian expo

The next Russian composites show COMPOSITE-EXPO, will take place in Moscow, Russia, from 28 February to 2 March 2017.

SHW AG’s first six months

Automotive component supplier SHW AG has published its preliminary figures for the first six months of the fiscal year 2016.

MPG to consolidate brands

Metaldyne Performance Group (MPG) plans to consolidate its portfolio of metal-forming brands.

New GM of Franklin Bronze

Alloy supplier Franklin Bronze Precision Components has appointed John Nichols as general manager (GM).

Phillips-Medisize Acquires Medicom

MIM specialist Phillips-Medisize Corporation has acquired Medicom Innovation Partner.

Multiaxial fabrics used to reinforce transportable composite hangars

Hexcel reports that its HiMax glass fiber fabrics were selected to make its Composite Modular Transportable Hangar (CMTH).

Metal-free metamaterial changes at flick of a switch

Researchers have developed a novel metal-free metamaterial whose optical properties can be changed at the flick of a switch.

Quantum effects found in graphene

Electrons travelling though graphene do not behave like particles but like a wave

TFP at China Composites Expo

Technical Fibre Products Ltd will be exhibiting its nonwovens for composites at the China Composite Expo at the end of August.

Spirit AeroSystems reports 8% increase in revenues

Spirit AeroSystems reports revenue of US$1.8 billion for Q2 2016, an increase of 8% over Q2 2015.

China graphene specialist appoints new sales director

The Sixth Element, a producer of graphene and graphene oxide, has appointed Bernhard Münzing as sales director.

Sky’s the limit for new vibration-absorbing lattice structure

A new three-dimensional lattice structure can absorb a wide range of vibrations and also act as a load-bearing component.

2017 Acta Materialia Hollomon Award for Materials & Society

Dr. Warren Poole wins the 2017 Acta Materialia Holloman Award for Materials & Society.

3A Composites launches new system for balsa cores

3A Composites has launched an online system for generating quality certificates for its BALTEK structural balsa core materials.

Permali Gloucester to supply Supacat armor

Permali Gloucester will supply composite ballistic armor panels for the Supacat range of armored vehicles.

H.C. Starck powder divisions to become independent companies

H.C. Starck reports that its powder divisions will become independent limited liability companies (GmbHs).

thyssenkrupp acquires Spanish manufacturer

thyssenkrupp has acquired its former investee company Thyssen Ros Casares SA, based in southeastern Spain.

Silicon particles can light up nerve cells

Scientists have engineered biodegradable silicon nanoparticles that when illuminated can make nerve cells fire and heart cells beat.

Which alloys can form metallic glasses?

A new way to predict which binary alloys will form metallic glasses could lead to the development of strong, conductive materials.

Acta Biomaterialia Silver Medal Award

Dr. Thomas J. Webster receives the first Acta Biomaterialia Silver Medal Award.

Hexagon Composites wins Indonesian contract

Hexagon Raufoss has received an order from Indonesia for 1,000 fiber reinforced cylinders.

PlastiComp opens new long fiber R&D lab

Long fiber specialist PlastiComp Inc has recently moved its research and development functions into a dedicated laboratory space.

Boron nitride zigzags graphene to the edge

Using a substrate made from boron nitride, scientists have produced monolayer graphene nanoribbons with zigzag edges.

Gold nanowires heat up quickly when very cold

Gold nanowires heat up a bit when illuminated by a laser at room temperature, but heat up far more when illuminated at ultracold conditions.

Meet the Editor session: publishing your results in Biomaterials – with Prof. Kam Leong

Register to attend a session with Prof. Kam Leong, Editor-in-chief of Biomaterials.

Dmitry Shashkov to leave H.C. Starck

Dmitry Shashkov, president and CEO of H.C. Starck’s Fabricated Products Division, is leaving the company to pursue new opportunities.

Kennametal reports 21% sales decrease

Kennametal has reported 2016 sales of US$2,098 million, compared with US$2,647 million last year.

Heating processing facility achieves supply chain award

Bodycote says that its facility in Chard, Somerset, has entered the SC21 Supply Chain programme at Silver Award level.

Arcam reports 17% increase in sales

Arcam reports that its net sales increased by 17 % to SEK 307.6 million from SEK 262.0 million from January – June 2016.

Program now available for 2nd International Composites Congress

Composites Germany is set to hold its next convention in Düsseldorf from 28 to 29 November 2016.

Toray reports sales increase

Toray reports that its consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2016 increased 4.7% compared with the previous fiscal year.

Biopolymer toughens up under heat and pressure

Treating the biopolymer polylactic acid at various temperatures and pressures can induce a new, more robust polymer phase in the material.

Separating 2D materials with liquid nitrogen

Scientists have developed a novel way to produce 2D nanosheets by separating bulk materials with nontoxic liquid nitrogen.

Owens Corning's 'record quarter'

Owens Corning has reported consolidated net sales of US$1.55 billion in Q2 2016, compared to net sales of US$1.40 billion in the prior-year period.

Hexagon Composites' Q1

Hexagon Composites reported that it generated NOK 291.6 million in operating income in Q1, compared to NOK 401.6 million in the same period of 2015.

GKN plc reports promising six months

GKN has reported sales up 17% from £3,853 million to £4,518 million in its latest six months' report.

Bodycote opens South Carolina plant

Bodycote, a leading thermal processing services provider, has opened a new plant in Greenville, South Carolina.

Nitrogen-doped graphene enhances Raman spectroscopy

Scientists have discovered that nitrogen-doped graphene can greatly enhance the sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy.

Major impact from monitoring changes in crystal structure

By firing a plastic projectile into silicon at 12,000mph, scientists have been able to watch pressure-induced changes in crystal structure in real time.

Novel cubic garnet makes effective solid electrolyte

Scientists have developed a novel garnet-type, fast ionic conducting oxide as a solid electrolyte in an all-solid-state rechargeable battery.

Spider silk could spin out new phononic materials

The discovery that spider silk has a phonon band gap could lead to the development of novel acoustic and insulating materials.

Two insulators produce highly-conductive interface

Engineers have discovered that interfacing two insulating oxide-based materials makes them highly conductive.

Novel sodium polyhydrides could make novel superconductors

Researchers have produced a new class of materials called sodium polyhydrides, which could possess superconducting properties.