Composites

Hybrid polymer composites with new blends of unsaturated polyesters and hybrid epoxy resins could enhance performance in various industries, including aerospace and automotive.

Recent research has unveiled the potential of polymer materials as effective catalysts in environmental remediation, particularly in removing toxic gases from the environment. This innovative application of polymers underscores a crucial advancement in tackling air pollution and enhancing air quality through catalytic processes.

Researchers at Washington State University have developed an exciting new conductive, cotton-based fiber that melds cotton’s flexibility with the electrical conductivity of polymers.

Recent advances have shown that natural and waste-derived fillers, like eggshell powder (ESP), can greatly enhance the properties of composite materials.

Nanotechnology offers techniques for degrading plastics that help address pollution issues caused by improper disposal.

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) present a promising solution for diverting waste generated by the pulp and paper industry from landfills.

Corporate solutions are crucial in driving the development of innovative technologies and practices that address key challenges in recycling.

Abdul Baghirov pioneers a transformative method to integrate hair fibers into Kevlar aerogels. It offers enhanced filtration efficiency and sustainable solutions to combat environmental challenges due to human hair waste.

While 3D printing with polymers and metals has dominated discussions, composites have quietly emerged as a significant player in additive manufacturing (AM). Combining the strength of metals with the lightness of polymers, composite materials are reshaping the landscape of 3D printing, particularly in fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology.

The University of Maine has unveiled a polymer 3D printer four times larger than the world’s biggest –– which is also on its campus. UMaine researchers foresee using it to print houses, boats, and infrastructure and to develop military vehicles.

PEEK glass fiber composite crystallization undergoes a critical transformation when subjected to conditions of high undercooling and intense shear.

The future of material research is increasingly changing toward digitization, which promises advantages but requires significant work and adaptability. While initial trends emerge, development varies between material classes due to variations in synthesis, production, analysis, and modeling techniques.