Materials news, July 2017

Zenyatta researches graphene for rubber

Graphene powder producer Zenyatta has formed a collaboration program to develop rubber products using graphene converted from the company’s graphite.

Solvay invests in testing software

Polymer specialist Solvay and investment firms Anzu Partners and Invest Nebraska have together invested US$1.9 million in MultiMechanics.

Material with both flexibility and stiffness inspired by nature

Composite materials combining properties of both flexibility and stiffness.

New technique improves perovskite solar cells

Meniscus-assisted technique could lead to high efficiency perovskite films.

A bit of fluorine turns 2D insulator into a semiconductor

A little fluorine can turn two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride from an insulator to a semiconductor with magnetic properties.

Milacron’s Q2 and six months

Milacron Holdings Corp has announced its financial results for the second quarter ended 30 June 2017.

Linde's first six months

Linde has reported a 4.7% increase in group revenue to €8.653 billion in the first six months of 2017.

GKN wins regional quality award

GKN Sinter Metals has been recognized by Jatco with the Regional Quality Award for efforts in the supplier’s Japanese business.

Solid electrolytes with smoother surfaces could stop dendrites

Smoother surfaces on a solid electrolyte could eliminate or greatly reduce the problem of dendrite formation in lithium-ion batteries.

Spider silk dissipates energy to prevent spinning

Spider silk shown to resist twisting forces by yielding when twisted, helping to dissipate energy.

Verder and MCL form joint venture in South Africa

Verder Scientific and the Monitoring & Control Laboratories have formed a joint venture in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Clariant reports improved sales

Chemicals company Clariant has reported an increase of sales of 9% in local currency to CHF 3.132 billion compared to CHF 2.899 billion in 2016.

Composites UK launches autumn events

Composites UK, the trade association for the UK composites industry, has launched the preliminary agendas for its autumn program of events.

Ceramics call for papers

The organizers of ceramitec 2018 has issued a call for papers for the event.

Nominations now open for 2018 Robert Cahn Award

Submit your nomination for the 2018 Robert Cahn Award today.

Nominate a scientist for the 2018 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards

Submissions are being accepted for the 2018 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early-Career Researchers in Developing Countries.

Drug design approach to predicting material properties

Scientists have created the first machine learning method for predicting the properties of new metals, ceramics and other crystalline materials.

Recipients of the 2016 Acta student awards

Find out who will receive one of the 2016 Acta student awards.

Get cracking to remove thin films from thick crystals

A new ‘controlled spalling’ layer transfer technique can derive thin films from superconducting gallium nitride crystals.

Spinal discs and fish skins inspire contradictory materials

Scientists have increased the stiffness, or ‘elastic modulus’, of a soft silicon-based polymer by infusing it with tiny pockets of liquid gallium.

Ultra-thin topological insulator works at room temperature

By depositing bismuth onto a silicon carbide substrate, scientists have created a topological insulator that can work at room temperatures.

Porous MXene electrode produces fast-charging battery

New electrode designs based on a highly conductive, two-dimensional transition metal carbide could produce fast-charging batteries.

Additive Industries named most promising young company

Additive Industries has been named the winner of a most promising young technology company contest run by Dutch national newspaper Financieele Dagblad.

New French PM manufacturing company

Aerospace company Weare Group and powder producer Tekna have joined forces to set up metal powder manufacturing in France.

Sigmatex site achieves AS9100C certification

Sigmatex Carbon Textile Solutions Inc based in Orangeburg, SC, USA, has attained accreditation to Aerospace standard AS9100C.

Michelman appoints group vice presidents

Materials developer Michelman has appointed two new group vice presidents.

Henkel opens new composite test center in Japan

Henkel has opened a new test facility for composites in Isogo-ku, Yokohama, Japan.

Registration opens for PM compacting/tooling seminar

The biennial Powder Metallurgy (PM) Parts Compacting/Tooling Seminar will be held 26–27 September.

MPIF updates PM industry roadmap

The Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) has released an updated version of its PM Industry Roadmap.

Artificial spider silk pulled out of hydrogel

Scientists have developed a method for pulling super-stretchy and strong fibers with properties similar to spider silk out of a hydrogel.

Methanol means power

Improving direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).

Coffee ring process produces large crystals for efficient solar cells

A new low-temperature solution printing technique can fabricate high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with large crystals.

Electron pairs select right orbital for superconductivity

Scientists have found evidence for a new type of electron pairing that may broaden the search for new high-temperature superconductors.

MTS Systems opens new Indian HQ

MTS Systems Corporation has establishing the MTS India headquarters in Bangalore.

ASTM hosts free workshop on zinc and zinc alloys

ASTM International’s committee on nonferrous metals and alloys will host a free workshop in November.

GlassFibreEurope highlights illegal dumping of open mesh fabric

GlassFibreEurope has reportedly called on the glass fiber value chain to fight against illegal trade practices by China.

Rational design produces novel sodium-based battery electrode

A novel manganese and sodium-ion-based material could replace lithium-based electrodes in rechargeable batteries.

How big data advances physics

The World Science Festival and Annals of Physics join forces at an event at Columbia University.

Composite materials for thermoplastic fuselage demonstration

Porcher Industries it has provided materials to Stelia Aerospace for a research project to develop a full-scale thermoplastic fuselage demonstration.

Arcam reports interim sales increase

3D printing company Arcam has reported a sales increase of 32% in the last six months.

Call for papers announced for Composites Innovation 2018

The organizers of the 2018 Composites Innovation Conference have issued a call for papers.

SKF’s half year report

SKF has reported that its net sales for the last six months were SEK 20.2 billion.

Throw it a curve and 2D becomes 3D

Neat trick to print a 2D form of a 3D model that spontaneously forms solid, curved object.

Surface superconductivity seen in spinel superconductor

A combination of experimental and theoretical methods has revealed evidence of superconductivity on ultrathin lithium titanate films.

Penn State students attend POWDERMET 2017

Six students from the Penn State DuBois general engineering program attended POWDERMET 2017, the international conference on powder metallurgy, this June.

US$125,000 grant to develop Rhode Island composites

The US EDA plans to offer a US$125,000 federal grant to develop a composites industry cluster in Rhode Island, USA.

ASTM upgrades online learning management system

Standards organization ASTM International has upgraded its learning management system (LMS) in order to improve user experience and functionality.

Sutton Tools gains aerospace market share

Sutton Tools says that it has gained market share in the aerospace industry by producing tools using linear motor technology.

New chairman of Plansee supervisory board

Dr Michael Schwarzkopf, long-standing chairman of the Plansee Group executive board, has moved to the supervisory board.

GE and Oerlikon form MoU

GE Additive, Concept Laser and Arcam AB have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiss technology company Oerlikon.

University buys new metal AM system

Wichita State University has purchased a new professional grade metal additive manufacturing (AM) system.

Chem-Trend receives three safety awards

Chem-Trend has received three safety awards from the US-based National Safety Council (NSC).

Measuring what isn't there

Revealing the presence of radioactive substances when they are no longer present.

Core materials market to reach almost US$2 billion

The core materials market for composites is projected to reach US$1.92 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 8.77%.

In the cage

Molecular cages - metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs).

IACMI focuses on composite training

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) has made plans to improve training for the composites manufacturing workforce.

Entrepreneur award for automotive specialist

David C Dauch, chairman and CEO of American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), has received an entrepreneur of the year award.

ARC Group appoints interim CEO

The ARC Group has appointed Drew M Kelley as interim CEO and board member.

Study uncovers thermal secrets of cool new semiconducting material

Scientists have produced the most detailed study yet of the thermal effects of semiconducting metal-nitride nanowires.

Carbon captures catalyst nanoparticles on electrode surfaces

Converting an organic polymer to carbon via heating offers a novel way to fix catalyst nanoparticles onto electrode surfaces.

LPW publishes paper on porosity

LPW Technology Ltd has published a case study which examines the sources and impact of porosity in metal AM.

Owens Corning acquires FRP business

Owens Corning Infrastructure Solutions has completed its acquisition of Aslan FRP, the concrete reinforcement business of US-based Hughes Brothers Inc.

Unitech and Tamarack develop aerospace composites

Unitech Composites and Tamarack Aerospace plan to produce the composite content of Tamarack’s Active Winglets for the Cessna Citation Jet Series Aircraft.

Crystal ‘staples’ enhance strength of novel alloy

Scientists have enhanced the strength and temperature resistance of a transition metal disilicide alloy by adding two new metals.

Novel nanofiber material has power to clean wastewater

Carbon nanofiber electrodes coated with a conductive polymer and bacteria can generate electricity while cleaning wastewater.

New nickel alloy offers strong alternative to silicon in sensors

A new strong, thermally-stable nickel-containing alloy could prove an ideal replacement for silicon in microelectromechanical systems.

Novel light-responsive polymer material walks at caterpillar speed

Using a new polymer material that undulates when illuminated, scientists have developed the first device for converting light directly into walking.

Call for papers: Data Systems in Materials Science

Submit your article to a Special issue in Materials Discovery.

Scott Bader adds to adhesive range

Scott Bader has recently added two new grades to its Crestomer range of structural adhesives.

Sheffield Digital and AMRC announce partnership

The AMRC has become a regional partner of Sheffield Digital, an organisation for businesses and individuals involved in the city’s digital industries.

Concept Laser and Lauak sign AM Letter of Intent

Concept Laser and Lauak have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to develop an alliance between the two companies.

Graphene membrane offers possibility of super-fast dialysis

A novel membrane made from graphene can filter molecules from aqueous solutions up to 10 times faster than state-of-the-art membranes.

Novel composite material can clear up synthetic dye pollutants

A novel composite material shows promise as a catalyst for the degradation of environmentally-harmful synthetic dye pollutants.

MIM conference call for papers

An official call for presentations has been announced for MIM2018.

New manager for Hi-line

Hi-line Industries, a UK manufacturer of compressed air purification equipment, has appointed Damien Oxlee as its new national distribution manager.

Soft perovskite semiconductors display colorful abilities

Halide perovskite semiconductors can emit multiple, bright colors from a single nanowire at resolutions as small as 500nm.

FACC to supply engine composites to Rolls-Royce

FACC AG has signed a new contract with Rolls-Royce to supply composite components for a new engine platform.

Japanese composites expands into Europe

Japan-based thermoplastic composites material developer and manufacturer MaruHachi Group plans to expands its activities into the European market.

New 2D material spins at the edges

Scientists have created a novel 2D material in which electrons travel in one direction with one type of spin, which could be useful for spintronics.

GKN Sinter Metals receives best supplier award

GKN Sinter Metals has received the Best Supplier Award by Somfy.

Höganäs printer installed in France

A 3D printer developed by Höganäs has been installed at CETIM, the French industrial institute.

Heico acquires composites manufacturer

Aerospace company Heico Corporation’s Flight Support Group has acquired 100% of Carbon by Design

Spirit joins NASA composites group

Spirit AeroSystems is to join NASA’s Advanced Composites Consortium (ACC) as a Tier-1 member.

Toray invests in textiles manufacturer

Toray has agreed to acquire shares in Pacific Textiles Holdings Ltd, a textile manufacturer based in Hong Kong.

Composites One wins safety award

US composite materials company Composites One has been presented with a platinum safety award.

Expert report calls for action on materials data

Read about Materials Today's efforts to promote researcher's data.

Many batteries could benefit from quinone anodes

An inexpensive material called quinone makes an effective anode for safe, long-lasting batteries that work across a range of temperatures.

Sweet bioactive nanomaterial can promote bone growth

A novel ‘sugar-coated’ nanomaterial can promote the growth of new bone, as well as other bodily tissues, with minimal use of growth factor.

Novel 3D printing process can produce graphene foam

Scientists have shown how 3D selective laser sintering can be used to make fingertip-size blocks of graphene foam.

US$1 million grant to research carbon fiber

The US University of Kentucky has received a US$1 million US grant to continue its research in developing low-cost, high-strength carbon fiber.

Sigmatex partners with Hengrui

Sigmatex has signed a strategic partnership agreement with China-based Hengrui Corporation (HRC), which makes CF automotive parts.

French PM company sets up AM production

Aeronautical and space company Weare Group and plasma specialist Tekna have formed an agreement to create a metal powder manufacturing company.

ATI and GE Aviation announce meltless titanium JV

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI) has announced a joint venture (JV) with GE Aviation for the development of new alloy powder manufacturing.

Gold and carbide work together to produce hydrogen gas

A new low-temperature catalyst can produce high-purity hydrogen gas while simultaneously using up carbon monoxide.

Copper-containing nanoparticles boost bone repair

Copper-containing mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles are versatile, multifunctional and can carry active agents to the site of bone damage

Metyx Group expands technical fabrics production

Turkish company Metyx Group has installed new warp knitting production lines.

Luxembourg site of world's largest nanotube facility

Materials manufacturer OCSiAl has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a plant for single wall carbon nanotubes.

Gurit to license green PET technology

Gurit has been granted a global license for Armacell’s ArmaFORM PET GR technology until the expiry of the patent rights for an undisclosed license fee.

Swell study shows how single polymer can conduct electrons and ions

Scientists have found that amorphous regions of a polymer film can transport ions, while crystalline regions are better at conducting electrons.

GKN and Saab continue AM partnership

GKN Aerospace and Saab plan to continue developing additive manufacturing (AM) processes.

Powder factory in progress

Arcam AB says that the new powder factory for its powder manufacturing subsidiary AP&C in Montreal, Canada, is progressing well on plan.

Scientists explore uncharted territory of heterostructural alloys

Scientists have made theoretically-predicted heterostructural alloys, blends of compounds that don't share the same atomic arrangement.

Höganäs’ CEO leaves to join Volvo

Höganäs’ CEO, Melker Jernberg, will leave the company to assume a position as President of Volvo Construction Equipment, Höganäs says.

Kenway completes first installation of FRPI-certified tanks

Composite manufacturer Kenway has installed two fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks in West New York, New Jersey, USA.

Novel nickelate crystal poised for superconductivity

A novel nickel oxide compound is an unconventional but promising candidate material for high-temperature superconductivity.

Novel semiconductor alloy can capture near-infrared light

A new semiconductor alloy that can capture near-infrared light could improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of concentrator photovoltaics.

Innovative materials that mimic properties of melanin

Mimicking useful properties of melanin-like materials.

Editors’ Choice: Effects of intratracheally instilled laser printer-emitted engineered nanoparticles in a mouse model: A case study of toxicological implications from nanomaterials released during consumer use

Kennametal appoints CEO

Kennametal Inc has appointed Christopher (Chris) Rossi as president and CEO and has named him a director.

GE orders 10 Arcam systems

AM specialist Arcam AB has received an order from GE for 10 of its electron beam melting (EBM) systems.

Element completes Exova acquisition

Element Materials Technology has announced the completion of its acquisition of Exova PLC.

FACC extends strategic partnership with Bombardier

FACC AG plans to produce the wing-to-body fairings for Bombardier Aerospace’s new C Series range of regional aircraft.

Avio and Toray sign supply agreement

y Avio SpA and Toray Industries have signed a long-term supply agreement to supply Torayca carbon fibers to Avio for rocket motor case applications.

Molecular ring helps attach nanomaterials to graphene

A novel chemical process can deposit nanomaterials on graphene without changing the properties and arrangement of its carbon atoms.

Conducting walls could lead to reconfigurable electronic circuits

A new way to create extremely thin electrically conducting sheets within crystals could lead to reconfigurable electronic circuits.

Researchers tackle 3D printing for maritime duties

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh plan to explore next-generation metals, especially steel, for use in additive manufacturing (AM).

Carbodeon develops new nanodiamond coating

Nanodiamond material specialist Carbodeon has developed an electroless nickel, PTFE and nanodiamond composite coating.

Lanxess revises business units

Following its acquisition of Chemtura, chemicals company Lanxess has revised its organizational structure.

JEC publishes composites market overview

The JEC Group has published a new book entitled ‘Overview of the global composites market – at the crossroads’.

Research Collection: A decade of nanotoxicology: Assessing the impact on human health and the environment

Magnets built from nanoparticles take shape

Assemblies of metallic nanoparticles at multiple length scales behave like bulk magnets and display shape-dependent behavior.

New process produces ‘unrealistic’ alloys

A new way to create previously 'unrealistic' alloys with thin films could form the basis for next-generation semiconductors.

Good vibrations: Controlling energy waves to advantage

Tracking and controlling dynamic molecular vibrations.