polymerguru

  A viscous biopaste that is easy to process, solidifies quickly and is suitable for producing even complex structures using the   3D printing process   has been developed by a research team headed by Prof. Dr. Marie-Pierre Laborie from the Chair of Forest Biomaterials at the University of Freiburg. The wood-based   biodegradable synthetic   could potentially be used in lightweight construction, amongst other things. Alternative Way to Use Lignin Lignin strengthens the cell walls of plants and causes them to turn woody (lignify) – a mechanism that helps plants to protect themselves against wind or pests. It is a waste product from paper manufacture and largely incinerated to produce bioenergy. “ This is why we’re researching into alternative possibilities for making better use of this raw material in future ,” says Laborie. As a result, the team started to reexamine a combination of materials which was already investigated in the 1980s by an American research te...

  Boom Supersonic   (Denver, Colo., U.S.) an aerospace company building the world's fastest civil aircraft, and leading industrial technology company,   Rolls-Royce  (London, U.K.), announced on July 30 an engagement agreement to explore the pairing of a Rolls-Royce propulsion system with Boom's composite-intensive flagship supersonic passenger aircraft,   Overture . Boom’s XB-1, the world’s first independently-developed supersonic jet, makes extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites, as detailed in its blogs, “ The big 3 components of supersonic aircraft ” and “ Going the distance: Materials made for supersonic ”. Boom says the goal of the new agreement is to work together to identify the propulsion system that would complement Boom's  Overture  airframe and will involve teams from both companies collaborating in engine-airframe matching activities for the aircraft. The teams will also examine certain key aspects of the propul...

Hexagon has been granted USD 2.6 million (approx. NOK 24 million) in initial funding by the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) to research how carbon fiber and composite structure can be optimized to reduce hydrogen and natural gas storage tank costs. Hexagon’s research project was chosen following a competitive selection process and the DOE has announced funding opportunities for a total of 18 projects that support  H2@Scale ’s vision for affordable hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and use. H2@Scale  is a DOE initiative that supports innovations to produce, store and utilize hydrogen across multiple sectors.  Rick Rashilla, SVP Research & Development in Hexagon, says We are excited to be selected for funding by the DOE. The funding will enable our team to deep dive into the details of how we can reduce tank costs without compromising on safety. This is an important step towards a large-scale acceptance of zero and low emissions vehicles. We look forward to wor...

China releases its draft national standard for Type 4 Hydrogen Composite Cylinders, 35 MPa and 70 MPa. "Fully-wrapped carbon fiber cylinder with a plastic liner for the on-board storage of compressed hydrogen as a fuel for land vehicles." China's hydrogen fuel cell industry is moving forward full speed ahead. This standard is based on ISO 19881-2018 with some key improvements for safety. The ISO standards for on-board fuel containers, CNG and hydrogen, are largely self-certified by the cylinder manufacturer with minimal involvement of independent inspection agencies. The ISO standards in general do not address periodic retesting and reinspection. The China standard, on the other hand, adds controls for safety. Most of the factory processes must be automated to prevent human workers from making changes. Regular inspections and periodic requalification are addressed. And Inspection Agencies are involved at the time of qualification testing and for production and shipping of...

An extract from seaweed has outperformed Remdesivir in ousting COVID-19 during cellular tests, according to new research.  The research is part of a larger body of research investigating a 'decoy strategy' against viruses such as COVID-19. This strategy works by urging the virus to 'latch' onto decoys rather than healthy human cells, where it then becomes trapped, neutralized and eventually destroyed.  In the case of COVID-19, the spike protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 attaches onto a molecule on the surface of human cells known as the ACE_2 receptor. Once attached, it then inserts its own genetic material inside the cell so it can begin to replicate. Usage of the right decoy would mean that SARS-CoV-2 may be 'distracted' away from human cells and, instead of being able to replicate and cause havoc in the human body, be destroyed. Previous findings have shown thta the strategy works in ousting other viruses like Dengue, Zika and Influenza A.  For the present...

Duke University researchers have created an experimental gel that is the first to match the strength and durability of the thin, slippery layer of cartilage naturally present between the bones in the knee. The material is incredibly strong and is made up of 60% water, but a single quarter-sized disc of this material can bear the weight of a 100-pound kettlebell without tearing or losing its shape. New Material to Withstand Heavy Loads Its developers say it’s the first hydrogel -- materials made of water-absorbing polymers -- capable of withstanding tugging and heavy loads as well as human cartilage, without wearing out over time. Led by Duke chemistry and materials scientists Ben Wiley and Ken Gall, the research could one day offer people with knee troubles a replacement for damaged cartilage, and an alternative to the 600,000 knee replacement surgeries performed in the U.S. each year. Flexible, Strong and Stiff Material The new hydrogel consists of two intertwined polymer networks: on...

Ascend Performance Materials  announces the submission of its first FDA 510 (k) for clearance to market its patent-pending Acteev TM  technology in the United States in a medical device, a surgical mask under a new brand called Acteev Biodefend™. Independent laboratory testing has found Acteev materials to achieve greater than 99% efficacy at deactivating bacteria, fungi and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Acteev Biodefend Technology to Deactivate SARS-CoV-2 Acteev Biodefend technology has been shown in laboratory tests to deactivate SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and other pathogens including H1N1, coronavirus 229E and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as staphylococcus and E. coli, Dr. Gopal said. The testing was conducted following the protocols of ISO, ASTM or other international standards organizations. “ We’ve partnered with independent labs for comprehensive testing and have reallocated resources to ready ourselves for world-scale productio...