Materials Sciences

Enhancing the thermal conductivity of â-Si 3N 4 ceramics

Silicon nitride ceramics are important engineering materials due to their excellent properties such as fracture toughness, wear resistance and high temperature strength. They were originally developed to compete with metallic parts and now find application in such areas as engine components, glow plugs for diesel engines, cutting tools, bearings, nozzles and kiln furniture.

Thermal conductivity is an important physi

Geopolymers with the potential for use as refractory castable

From the most technologically aware city dwellers to remote jungle tribes, almost the entire population of the earth know polymeric materials as plastics. Although some plastics are oven proof and can readily withstand high temperatures, they generally melt or burn at extreme temperatures.

Inorganic polymers are different and show promise for use in elevated temperature applications. Inorganic polymers made f

Materials Preparation Center Creates Stronger, Lighter Aluminum Alloy

The next generation of jet fighter aircraft could fly farther and faster thanks to a new high-strength aluminum alloy prepared at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory. The new alloy is one material being developed for use in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a cutting-edge aircraft that will see widespread use as the primary fighter for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Marines as well as U.S. allies abroad.

Currently, an interdisciplinary research project is exploring new technologies with regard to biodegradable implants. The project is carried out by two research institutions at the Technische Universität Dresden, the Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials (MBC) at the Institute of Materials Sciences and the Institute of Textile and Clothing Technology (ITB), as well as the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research in Dresden (IPF) and the University Hospitals in Ulm and Heidelberg.

The project

Scientists from Obninsk in the Kaluga reg. (Russia) have developed a ceramic with unique properties, with heat conductivity and thermoplasticity several times higher than normal ceramics. This means that items made of it, from coffee mugs to fuel pellets for atomic power stations, will serve longer and more reliably than standard ceramics.

During a competition of innovative developments under the 5th International Innovation and Investment Salon that was held 15-18 February 20

The University of Manchester has been awarded £5.98m to develop a new class of light alloy solutions that will transform the way aircraft, trains and automobiles are built.

The grant, which will span a five year period, has been awarded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under the Portfolio Partnership Scheme.

Research into improving the performance of light alloys will be carried out in conjunction with Alcan, Novelis, BAE Systems, Airbus,