Tag: chemistry
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Nanotech Coating Helps Reduce Flames in Polyurethane Foam
Researchers from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Texas A&M University in College Station have developed carbon nanofiber-filled coatings that outperform conventional flame retardants used in the polyurethane foam found in upholstered furniture and mattresses. Their findings appear in a recent issue of the journal Polymer (paid subscription required). Ignition of soft furnishings…
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Grad Student Develops Process to Recycle Paper Mill Waste
A graduate student at Hebrew University in Israel has developed a method for converting paper mill sludge into eco-friendly industrial foams. Shaul Lapidot (pictured right), a Ph.D. candidate in agriculture, also started a company that licensed the technology and plans to take the process to market. A paper mill uses wood fibers long enough to…
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Sensor Lab Chip Detects Manganese in Humans
Engineers at University of Cincinnati in Ohio have created a sensor that quickly detects the presence and levels of the element manganese in humans. The disposable diagnostic tool that requires just a few drops of blood is described in the August issue of the journal Biomedical Microdevices (paid subscription required). Manganese is used to make…
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Cold Electrons Aid Nanoscale Imaging and Processes
Physicists at University of Melbourne in Australia have developed a new source of ultra-cold electrons that can improve the quality and speed of nanoscale imaging for processes such as drug and materials development. The team’s findings appear online in the journal Nature Physics (paid subscription required). The researchers led by Melbourne physics professor Robert Scholten…
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Lab Creates Graphene Composite for Lithium Ion Batteries
Researchers with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California have developed a graphene and tin nanoscale composite material for high-capacity energy storage in renewable lithium ion batteries, like those used in electric cars. The team at the lab, funded by the Department of Energy, published its findings in a recent issue of the journal Energy…
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Composite Materials Developed with Liquid or Gas Channels
Researchers at University of Illinois in Champaign have developed composite materials with tiny embedded channels, and potential properties such as self-healing or self-cooling. The team published their findings earlier this month in the journal Advanced Materials (paid subscription required). Composite materials often contain reinforcing fibers such as fiberglass or kevlar that add strength to the…
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DuPont Acquires Nanotech Solar Materials Developer
The global chemical company DuPont says it has acquired Innovalight Inc. in Sunnyvale, California that develops silicon inks and process technologies to increase the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Innovalight’s silicon ink is made of silicon nano-particles dispersed in an environmentally friendly blend of chemicals, according…
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Illinois Chemists Extend Functions of Glucose Meters
The inexpensive handheld glucose meters familiar to diabetics can now perform more diagnostic tests, based on research by chemistry faculty at University of Illinois at Champaign. Their findings appear in the online edition of the journal Nature Chemistry (paid subscription required). Chemistry professor Yi Lu and postdoc Yu Xiang found that glucose meters can be…
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Vaccine Against Heroin High Tested in Animals
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego, California have developed a vaccine against a heroin-induced high and tested its potential in lab rats. Their findings appear online in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (paid subscription required). The team led by chemistry researcher Kim Janda devised a vaccine that generates antibodies to stop heroin…
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Companies Join National Lab in Composites Consortium
Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee, part of the U.S. Department of Energy, has established a consortium with 14 companies to promote the development and commercialization of carbon fiber and composites materials. The Oak Ridge Carbon Fiber Composites Consortium will hold its first meeting in September. Oak Ridge Lab has been involved in composite materials…