Nanotechnology Now

Our NanoNews Digest Sponsors
Heifer International



Home > News > Ultra-Tough Nanotech Materials

January 29th, 2007

Ultra-Tough Nanotech Materials

Abstract:
Researchers have used clay nanoparticles to modify a polymer material, making it 20 times stiffer, 4 times tougher, and able to withstand temperatures that are more than twice as hot. The new materials could eventually be used in rugged lightweight fabrics, less-bulky packing materials, and much lighter car parts.

The work is part of a growing effort to design materials with nanoscale structures that mimic those found in nature, such as those in ultra-strong seashells. (See "Silicon and Sun.") In the current work, researchers at MIT's program in polymer science and technology greatly improved the properties of an elastic polyurethane used in biomedical applications by dispersing tiny clay particles throughout it.

Source:
technologyreview.com

Bookmark:
Delicious Digg Newsvine Google Yahoo Reddit Magnoliacom Furl Facebook

Related News Press

Discoveries

Breaking barriers in energy-harvesting using quantum physics: Researchers find a way to overcome conventional thermodynamic limits when converting waste heat into electricity October 3rd, 2025

Researchers develop molecular qubits that communicate at telecom frequencies October 3rd, 2025

Next-generation quantum communication October 3rd, 2025

"Nanoreactor" cage uses visible light for catalytic and ultra-selective cross-cycloadditions October 3rd, 2025

Materials/Metamaterials/Magnetoresistance

First real-time observation of two-dimensional melting process: Researchers at Mainz University unveil new insights into magnetic vortex structures August 8th, 2025

Researchers unveil a groundbreaking clay-based solution to capture carbon dioxide and combat climate change June 6th, 2025

A 1960s idea inspires NBI researchers to study hitherto inaccessible quantum states June 6th, 2025

Institute for Nanoscience hosts annual proposal planning meeting May 16th, 2025

Announcements

Rice membrane extracts lithium from brines with greater speed, less waste October 3rd, 2025

Researchers develop molecular qubits that communicate at telecom frequencies October 3rd, 2025

Next-generation quantum communication October 3rd, 2025

"Nanoreactor" cage uses visible light for catalytic and ultra-selective cross-cycloadditions October 3rd, 2025

Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters

Spinel-type sulfide semiconductors to operate the next-generation LEDs and solar cells For solar-cell absorbers and green-LED source October 3rd, 2025

Breaking barriers in energy-harvesting using quantum physics: Researchers find a way to overcome conventional thermodynamic limits when converting waste heat into electricity October 3rd, 2025

Hanbat National University researchers present new technique to boost solid oxide fuel cell performance: Researchers demonstrate cobalt exsolution in solid oxide fuel cell cathodes in oxidizing atmospheres, presenting a new direction for fuel cell research October 3rd, 2025

Rice membrane extracts lithium from brines with greater speed, less waste October 3rd, 2025

Environment

Researchers unveil a groundbreaking clay-based solution to capture carbon dioxide and combat climate change June 6th, 2025

New gel could boost coral reef restoration: The substance, applied to surfaces as a coating, improved coral larvae settlement by up to 20 times in experiments compared to untreated surfaces May 16th, 2025

Onion-like nanoparticles found in aircraft exhaust May 14th, 2025

SMART researchers pioneer first-of-its-kind nanosensor for real-time iron detection in plants February 28th, 2025

Energy

Hanbat National University researchers present new technique to boost solid oxide fuel cell performance: Researchers demonstrate cobalt exsolution in solid oxide fuel cell cathodes in oxidizing atmospheres, presenting a new direction for fuel cell research October 3rd, 2025

Sensors innovations for smart lithium-based batteries: advancements, opportunities, and potential challenges August 8th, 2025

Simple algorithm paired with standard imaging tool could predict failure in lithium metal batteries August 8th, 2025

Portable Raman analyzer detects hydrogen leaks from a distance: Device senses tiny concentration changes of hydrogen in ambient air, offering a dependable way to detect and locate leaks in pipelines and industrial systems April 25th, 2025

Automotive/Transportation

Hanbat National University researchers present new technique to boost solid oxide fuel cell performance: Researchers demonstrate cobalt exsolution in solid oxide fuel cell cathodes in oxidizing atmospheres, presenting a new direction for fuel cell research October 3rd, 2025

Sensors innovations for smart lithium-based batteries: advancements, opportunities, and potential challenges August 8th, 2025

Simple algorithm paired with standard imaging tool could predict failure in lithium metal batteries August 8th, 2025

Portable Raman analyzer detects hydrogen leaks from a distance: Device senses tiny concentration changes of hydrogen in ambient air, offering a dependable way to detect and locate leaks in pipelines and industrial systems April 25th, 2025

Textiles/Clothing

This new fabric coating could drastically reduce microplastic pollution from washing clothes: University of Toronto Engineering researchers are working on a fabric finish to prevent microplastic fibres from shedding during laundry cycles January 27th, 2023

Protective equipment with graphene nanotubes meets the strictest ESD safety standards March 25th, 2022

Polymer fibers with graphene nanotubes make it possible to heat hard-to-reach, complex-shaped items February 11th, 2022

Flexible material shows potential for use in fabrics to heat, cool July 3rd, 2020

Human Interest/Art

New 2D multifractal tools delve into Pollock's expressionism January 17th, 2025

Drawing data in nanometer scale September 30th, 2022

Scientists prepare for the world’s smallest race: Nanocar Race II March 18th, 2022

Graphene nanotubes revolutionize touch screen use for prosthetic hands August 3rd, 2021

NanoNews-Digest
The latest news from around the world, FREE




  Premium Products
NanoNews-Custom
Only the news you want to read!
 Learn More
NanoStrategies
Full-service, expert consulting
 Learn More











ASP
Nanotechnology Now Featured Books




NNN

The Hunger Project