Materials
This “inexpensive and ubiquitous” material could protect buildings from earthquake damage
Geotextiles are already used in building foundations. But their flexibility, thinness and strength might also help save properties - and...
Old tyres are being recycled into new pavement for racetracks
An Australian company could save thousands of old tyres by recycling them into a novel paving material.
These artificial leaves could one day transform any building into green infrastructure
Design engineer Julian Melchiorri wants his technology to do what plants can – and his green thinking has led to...
Graphene: Engineering the ‘wonder material’ to live up to the hype
Electronics engineer Francesca Iacopi is intent on taking innovative 2D materials like graphene out of the lab and into the...
Energy and efficiency needs are forcing a rethink of data storage
The rise of big data has meant a vast increase in the amount of data out there, which means it's...
The source of graphene’s lackluster performance revealed as silicon impurities
Graphene’s reputation as the ‘material of the future’ has been tarnished by its disappointing performance. A new study got to...
New semiconductor paves the way to super powerful, greener phones
Australian engineers have brought bendable, biodegradable screens a step closer with an ultra thin, part-organic semiconductor.
3D printing can help make batteries fit any shape and size
Lithium-ion batteries power a range of devices, but limitations on shapes and sizes restrict how they can be used. That...
New water treatment method traps BPA particles like a Venus flytrap
Engineers have pioneered an innovative water treatment method that captures and breaks down BPA, commonly found in plastic containers.
The world’s most used synthetic material is getting a makeover
A team of civil and materials engineers has developed micron-sized calcium silicate spheres they say could lead to stronger and...
