Materials – Page 33
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PodcastPolypropylene
Microplastics, including polypropylene, are present in our oceans, on our beaches and even in bottled water. Ian Robertson investigates the scale and some solutions
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OpinionMachine-learning Mendeleevs have rediscovered the periodic table
Exposing new dimensions in the relationships between elements
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ArticleConducting communications
The rapid expansion of electronic and microelectronic technologies over the last century has transformed the way that we communicate and connect with the wider world
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ArticleMicroplastics – A chance discovery leads to a research passion
Tiny plastics are polluting our waterways, foods and drinks. To understand and combat this contaminant, we need to leverage technologies capable of detecting their presence and understanding their makeup
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ResearchGeometrically precise metamaterials deform on-demand
Purposeful imperfections programme predictable buckling into soft robotic materials
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PodcastZinc polycarboxylate
Lay back in the chair and say 'Ahh', as Mike Freemantle introduces zinc polycarboxylate dental cement
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ResearchLiquid magnet takes shape as ferrofluids hold their attraction
Fluids could find uses in drug delivery or robotics
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ResearchShrinking process generates uniform carbon nanotubes
Researchers contract carbon nanotubes down to their theoretical limit
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ArticleJohnson Matthey is taking charge of the electric vehicle revolution
The elements of future power
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ResearchSelf-deoxygenating glassware is a breath of fresh air for oxygen-sensitive reactions
Lab vials coated with glucose oxidase convert dissolved oxygen into a catalyst for RAFT polymerisation
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BusinessProfile: Oxford nanoSystems’ heat transfer coatings
Nanospiked coatings drastically increase heat exchangers’ efficiency and can be applied after manufacturing
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CareersMaking matters: the story of PrintCity
How a 3D printing research centre was built from the bottom up
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ResearchSolubility simulations solve mystery of why PEG dissolves in water but Keck clips don’t
Answer to puzzle of why such similar polyethers behave so differently could lead to better predictions of a molecule’s solubility
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ResearchArtificial synapse built to resist water and organic solvents at last
Network made from e-synapses learns to recognise handwritten-numbers
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ResearchSeashell-inspired glass is three times more shatter-resistant than ordinary glass
Glass mimics the structure of mother-of-pearl
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Research2D synthetic clay sheets could create easy to recycle crisp packets
Alternative to metal-coated plastics possible thanks to new environmentally-friendly synthesis
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ResearchRobotic fish powered by hydraulic blood and two heart pumps
Soft robot mimics lionfish’s graceful movement with flow batteries and hydraulic fluids
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ResearchPhysics behind freezing bubbles’ hypnotic ice crystal dance revealed
Marangoni flow responsible for the often photographed but never studied snow globe effect in freezing soap bubbles
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ResearchGlucose-regulating nanogel keeps blood sugar in the sweet spot
System prevents hyperglycemia in rats by acting like an artificial liver
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FeatureTaking a leaf out of plants’ books
Learning to mimic natural photosynthesis on an industrial scale might open the door to a fossil fuel-free future. Nina Notman investigates