Materials

Plastics

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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Inspired by the paper-folding art of origami, North Carolina State University engineers have discovered a way to make a single plastic cubed structure transform into more than 1,000 configurations using only three active motors. The findings could pave the way for shape-shifting artificial systems that can take on multiple functions and even carry a load. Read on to learn more.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Inspired by the paper-folding art of origami, North Carolina State University engineers have discovered a way to make a single plastic cubed structure transform into more than 1,000 configurations using only three active motors. Read on to learn more.
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Briefs: Materials
This research could help to reduce the environmental impact of additive manufacturing, which typically relies on nonrecyclable polymers and resins derived from fossil fuels. Read on to learn more.
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Application Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Learn about the Force Control Model LC, a form of closed loop positioning control. It reads the machine position on each stop and adjusts, in real time, where to signal the stop for the next part/cycle. Read on.
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Briefs: Materials
Advancing Chemical Recycling of Waste Plastics
New research from the lab of Giannis Mpoumpakis, Associate Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, focuses on optimizing a promising technology called pyrolysis, which can chemically recycle waste plastics into more valuable chemicals.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Researchers have found a way to bind engineered skin tissue to the complex forms of humanoid robots. This brings with it potential benefits to robotic platforms such as increased mobility, self-healing abilities, embedded sensing capabilities and an increasingly lifelike appearance.
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Briefs: Materials
A technique enables manufacturing of minuscule robots by interlocking multiple materials in a complex way.
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Briefs: Materials
Researchers from Japan and Singapore have developed a new 3D-printing process for the fabrication of 3D metal–plastic composite structures with complex shapes.
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Briefs: Materials
Researchers have moved a step closer to finding a use for the hundreds of millions of tons of plastic waste produced every year that often winds up clogging streams and rivers and polluting our oceans.
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Briefs: Packaging & Sterilization
To overcome the limitations of using cleaning agents, sprays, or bulky high-cost sterilizing systems, NASA developed the Ultraviolet Germicidal Door Handle.
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Articles: Materials
With its instant repellency and its ability to repel rather than kill or deactivate pathogens, RepelWrap presents an effective alternative to current technologies.
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Briefs: Materials
Engineers have invented a way to spray extremely thin wires made of a plant-based material that could be used in N95 mask filters, devices that harvest energy for electricity, and potentially the...
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Substances such as plastics, metals, and wax are used in 3D printers to make products and parts for larger items. Products created through the 3D printing of plastics include every-thing from toys...
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Briefs: Materials
This method prints 3D structures made of metal and plastic, paving the way for 3D electronics.
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Briefs: Materials
This process could improve large touchscreens, LED light panels, and window-mounted infrared solar cells.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
SensiCut, a smart material-sensing platform for laser cutters, can differentiate among 30 materials commonly found in makerspaces.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Directly visualizing external stresses of plastics is useful in development of materials with improved mechanical properties.
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Articles: Materials
Once triggered, the enzyme-embedded plastics self-destruct, completely degrading and eliminating microplastics in days.
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Q&A: Materials
A chemical process produces valuable biodegradable chemicals from discarded plastics.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
High-voltage direct current cables can more efficiently transport electricity over long distances.
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Briefs: Energy
The method could be applied to carbon waste streams.
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Briefs: Aerospace
The reaction converts 90% of plastic to jet fuel and other valuable hydrocarbon products within an hour at moderate temperatures.
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Briefs: Materials
A folded plastic bladder could store and pump the fuel.
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Briefs: Materials
The chemical process turns plastic into biodegradable chemicals for surfactants and detergents.
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Briefs: Materials
By reclaiming polymers in plastics, the process could cut down on millions of tons of plastic waste.
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Briefs: Materials
The high-quality bioplastics can be molded into a film that can be used in plastic bags and packaging.
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5 Ws: Green Design & Manufacturing
A new enzyme-activated compostable material could diminish microplastics pollution.
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Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
The inexpensive cameras are easy to produce.
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Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
Due to the chemical stability and durability of industrial polymers, plastic waste does not easily degrade in landfills and is often burned, which produces carbon dioxide and other hazardous gases. In order...
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