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Materials Science
Materials Science developments that might be of
particular interest to new energy research and development.
- Scientists hail frozen smoke as material that will change world
- Aerogel, one of the worlds lightest solids, can withstand a
direct blast of 1kg of dynamite and protect against heat from a
blowtorch at more than 1,300C. Scientists are working to discover new
applications for the substance, ranging from the next generation of
tennis rackets to super-insulated space suits for a manned mission to
Mars. (NY Times; Aug. 19, 2007)
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- World's
Lowest-density Crystals for Alternative Energy Technologies Created
- Chemists at UCLA have designed new organic structures called
covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that, because of their because of
their functional flexibility and their extremely light weight and high
porosity, are uniquely suited for storing hydrogen for use as a fuel
and to capture and store carbon dioxide from power plant smokestacks
before it reaches the atmosphere. (Science Daily; Apr. 13,
2007)
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- Metal
Rubber Conducts and Remembers Shape - Nanotube substance
developed by NanoSonic
conducts electricity nearly as good as metal, but contains just a part
per million of metal. Bend it how you will and it bounces back to its
original shape -- which you can pre-program. (Popular Science;
Aug. 2004)
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- Laser
Beams Make Intricate Plastic Structures = Micro Injection
Molding Machine - Researchers have demonstrated that it's possible
to use relatively inexpensive polymers to construct tiny structures. The
trick: use a laser beam to harden liquid plastics in intricate patterns.
(MIT Technology Review; June 7, 2004)
- PlasmaKing
Coats Synthetic Diamond on Steel - Diamond-like carbon coatings
will allow the ultimate in energy efficiency when used on moving parts,
because of its high lubricity. (ZPEnergy; Aug. 17, 2004)
- Nanowire
Makes Standup Transistor - A transistor made by surrounding a
vertical nanowire with layers of insulators and metals promises densely
packed circuits. Practical in 3-5 years. (MIT Technology Review;
Sept. 20, 2004)
See also
Page compiled by Sterling
D. Allan, April 14, 2006
Last updated August 20, 2007
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