HEADLINES ARCHIVE
Researchers Identify Process for Improving Durability of Glass
Researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) in Paris, France, have identified a method for manufacturing longer-lasting and stronger forms of glass.
Thermoelectric Nanowires Could Aid Energy Harvesting from Car Exhaust
Even though nanowires are not great for thermoelectric applications, researchers at Sandia National Labs believe that better control of the manufacturing process could improve the quality enough to make a useful thermoelectric material.
GE Perfects Silicon Carbide Engines for Jet Aircraft
After decades of development, scientists at GE's Global Research Center in Niskayuna, New York, say they have perfected a material made of silicon carbide that could lead to fuel-efficiency gains in commercial aircraft, according to a news report in the Albany Times Union newspaper.
Engineers Could Learn About Material Strength from Limpet Teeth
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth have found that the material that makes up the teeth of small aquatic snails known as limpets may be the strongest natural material on Earth.
Researchers Identify Possible Silicon Substitute for Future Electronics
A new form of germanium, germanane, may emerge as a viable replacement to silicon in future electronic devices, leading to more efficient LEDs and lasers, according to researchers at Ohio State University.
EPA Moves to Further Restrict PFOA Chemicals
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new measures that would keep perfluorinated chemicals from re-entering the U.S. marketplace.
New Process Creates Surfaces That Never Get Wet
Researchers at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y, have developed a laser etching technique that produces permanent, super-hydrophobic metal materials.
ASTM Standard Covers Alkali-aggregate Reaction in Concrete
Alkali-aggregate reaction — the reaction that occurs over time between highly alkaline cement paste and noncrystalline silicon dioxide — can lead to a loss of concrete strength.
China Focuses on Lightweight Materials to Meet Automotive Fuel Economy Standards
Further weight reductions in passenger vehicles are needed to meet new fuel economy standards in China. Beginning in 2015, passenger vehicles in the country must reach an average fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 km, compared with previous standards of 8 litres/100km.
Ford, DowAksa Speed Up Automotive Carbon Fiber Research
Ford Motor Co. and DowAksa say that they are accelerating joint research to develop high-volume manufacturing techniques for automotive-grade carbon fiber. The goal is to make vehicles lighter for greater fuel efficiency, performance and capability.
57 Firms Join Advanced Composites Initiative
The White House says that 57 companies are participating in the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), a public-private partnership aimed at creating jobs and boosting manufacturing within the automotive, wind turbine and compressed gas storage industries.
PPG Highlights Corrosion-resistant Coatings at Detroit Auto Show
PPG Industries’ industrial coatings business will highlight new products at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The products are designed to help global automakers fight metal corrosion and meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.
Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation Site Is Chosen
The White House says the University of Tennessee will lead the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI, a $259 million public-private partnership.
Mechanism to Counter Corrosion in Metals Discovered
A new study reveals that certain characteristics of metal surfaces can stop the process of oxidation in their path.
Automotive Market a Target for Aluminum Process Innovation
Alcoa Inc. has introduced a manufacturing technique designed to supply stronger, more formable aluminum sheet metal for next-generation automotive platforms.
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Used for Energy Storage Products
Researchers have discovered a new way to take some of the atmospheric carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to make an advanced, high-value material for use in energy storage products.
Boeing Signs Long-term Carbon Fiber Deal for 777x and 787 Aircraft
Japan's Toray Industries says it will be the sole supplier of carbon fiber for Boeing Co's 777X passenger jet in addition to the 787 Dreamliner. Reuters says the deal is likely to exceed $8.6 billion for both planes. Engineering360 recently reported on the carbon fiber market and cited an IHS
Carbon Fiber Faces Long Road to Adoption in Automotive, Energy Industries
One of the most common ways to improve energy efficiency in transportation is "lightweighting," or making a vehicle lighter by using less dense materials that offer the same strength as metals.
Material Aims to Be "Black Hole" for Sunlight in Power Projects
An engineering team at the University of California, San Diego has developed a new nanoparticle-based solar power material that eclipses previous designs.
Method Could Expand Biomass Waste Use for Chemical Feedstock
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison disclosed a new method to convert lignin, a biomass waste product, into simple chemicals. The innovation could held expand the use of biorenewable materials for fuel and chemicals, says Shannon Stahl, an expert in green chemistry at the University.