Materials

Concrete is a mix of cement, an aggregate such as gravel, and water. For added strength, steel fibers are often added. Now, scientists are claiming that a new type of fiber-reinforced concrete could soon serve as a lighter and greener alternative.

Superhydrophobic materials, which are excellent at repelling water, can be extremely useful for a whole range of reasons. Now engineers have found a quirky new use for them – making “unsinkable” metals that stay floating even when punctured.

Buildings that are constructed with military or civil defense applications in mind need to be tough. It was with this in mind that a new form of concrete was recently developed, that is far more resistant to cracking than regular types.

It would be handy if there was a filtration medium that could be electronically "switched" to capture particles of different sizes. It turns out that there soon may be, thanks to a newly-developed conductive polymer that changes state, on demand.

We recently heard how scientists from the University of Washington had developed a suction cup inspired by the clingfish. Well, researchers at UC San Diego have taken a different approach to create one of their own, and they've even used it on an underwater robot.

If a material is going to be used for implants or prostheses, it had better be tough. The carbon fiber produced by Lamborghini may be up to the task, so samples will soon be headed for the ISS – to be tested in the harsh conditions of outer space.

Scientists at North Carolina State University have determined that a new composite metal foam should outperform aluminum when used in the construction of aircraft wings.

Ordinarily, if it's suspected that toxic airborne chemicals may be present in a given area, the analysis process can take several days. Now, however, scientists have developed a device that they claim can analyze the air within 10 seconds.

Refrigeration and air conditioning could use a boost in efficiency. On that road, researchers have now developed an unusual new technique that could lead to "twist fridges", which cool by unraveling fibers that are tensely twisted.

Scientists are claiming to have combined the best features of bio-based PLA plastic and traditional composite materials, with a new all-PLA composite.

A diamond with another diamond that moves freely inside it has been found. Dubbed the Matroyoshka diamond, it's the first known diamond of its kind.

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new air filter made of graphene foam, which can kill captured microbes with small zaps of electricity.