#materials

All articles tagged with "materials"

Silver nanocatalysts switch reaction sites between power generation and hydrogen production

Science

Silver nanocatalysts switch roles in solid oxide cells

Key Takeaways

Researchers say silver nanocatalysts use different reaction sites in power and hydrogen modes.
The finding could change how electrodes are designed for reversible solid oxide cells.
The work was published in Energy & Environmental Science.

DT Editorial Team·Aug 8, 2026·via phys.org

Reusable brick walls could cut demolition waste by letting buildings come apart and go back up again

Key Takeaways

TU Graz is testing brick wall elements designed for disassembly and reuse.
The system replaces permanent mortar with reversible joints.
Researchers estimate roughly 60% lower CO2 emissions over three use cycles.

DT Editorial Team·Jun 4, 2026·via newatlas.com

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The material is inspired by penguins' ability to utilize layered feather structures, directional insulation and waterproofing for thermal management

Innovation

Penguin-Inspired Material Switches Between Heating and Cooling Without Power

Key Takeaways

Researchers say the material can absorb sunlight for heating or reflect it for cooling.
The design is inspired by penguin feather structures and waterproofing.
It also reportedly changes microwave behavior with temperature while resisting ice and water.

DT Editorial Team·May 25, 2026·via newatlas.com

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Scientists Discover Strange New Crystal Formed by Nuclear Blast

Culture

A crystal born in nuclear fallout is drawing fresh attention to the material legacy of atomic tests

Key Takeaways

Scientists reportedly found a clathrate crystal structure in nuclear detonation fallout.
The discovery highlights how extreme blast conditions can create unusual material forms.
Fallout remains a scientific archive as well as a historical and cultural artifact.

DT Editorial Team·May 25, 2026·via 404media.co

MIT revives a forgotten zipper idea into a shape-shifting structure system

Key Takeaways

MIT CSAIL developed a 3D-printed triangular Y-zipper inspired by a 1985 patent.
The mechanism becomes rigid when zipped and flexible when unzipped.
Potential uses include tents, chairs, robots and portable consumer products.

DT Editorial Team·May 22, 2026·via newatlas.com

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Space

Why dust may be more important to the universe than it first appears

Key Takeaways

Universe Today argues that dust is both a serious engineering nuisance and a fundamental component of many cosmic processes.
The piece highlights health risks, explosive hazards, and the abrasive behavior of lunar dust encountered during Apollo missions.
The same material that disrupts missions and observations also helps explain why dust remains central to astronomy and planetary science.

DT Editorial Team·May 20, 2026·via universetoday.com

Why Recycling Used Spark Plugs Suddenly Matters

Key Takeaways

Used spark plugs are attracting recyclers because many contain iridium and platinum.
Jalopnik reports that iridium scarcity and high prices are making recovery more viable.
The shift could turn routine automotive waste into a secondary supply stream for critical metals.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 19, 2026·via jalopnik.com

A new 2D material could shrink one of optics’ essential components

Key Takeaways

Researchers report a new 2D material capable of functioning as an ultrathin waveplate.
Waveplates are key optical components used to control polarization.
Potential application areas named in the source include displays, photography, and satellites.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 3, 2026·via phys.org

Petrochemical shock could spread the fuel crisis into plastics

Key Takeaways

The briefing says fossil-fuel prices are already rising because of the war in Iran.
Plastics are vulnerable because they are made from petrochemicals.
Supply-chain impacts are described as beginning to build.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 2, 2026·via technologyreview.com

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Science Archives - Interesting Engineering

Innovation

Sparse-source innovation story: lithium recovery claim points to the next battle in battery supply

Key Takeaways

An Interesting Engineering candidate reports a new lithium-recovery method from mining waste.
The excerpt says the process uses hygroscopic salt and humid air and claims 96% recovery.
The broader significance is the search for less water-intensive critical-mineral supply.

DT Editorial Team·Mar 31, 2026·via interestingengineering.com

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Sewing in wood can not only strengthen veneers, but also be used to create a fold or a seam

Innovation

Sewn Wood Veneers Could Open a New Path for Tougher Lightweight Materials

Key Takeaways

Researchers stitched wood veneers using modified industrial sewing methods.
The stitched laminates showed much higher resistance to peeling and delamination.
The method could open new options for durable lightweight engineered wood products.

DT Editorial Team·Mar 31, 2026·via newatlas.com

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