Category Physics

Carbon-fiber smart plastic: Self-healing, shape-shifting and stronger than steel

Breakthrough smart plastic: Self-healing, shape-shifting, and stronger than steel

Aerospace engineering and materials science researchers at Texas A&M University have uncovered new properties of an ultra-durable, recyclable, smart plastic—paving the way for transformative applications in the defense, aerospace and automotive industries.

The research, published in Macromolecules and the Journal of Composite Materials, was led by Dr. Mohammad Naraghi, director of the Nanostructured Materials Lab and professor of aerospace engineering at Texas A&M, in close collaboration with Dr. Andreas Polycarpou at The University of Tulsa.

Their work explored the mechanical integrity, shape-recovery and self-healing properties of an advanced carbon-fiber plastic composite called Aromatic Thermosetting Copolyester (ATSP).

Healing damage on demand
ATSP opens new frontiers i...

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Gold survives impossible heat, defying physics limits

Researchers at SLAC’s Matter in Extreme Conditions (MEC) instrument used a laser to superheat a sample of gold. Then, they sent a pulse of ultrabright X-rays from the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) through the sample to measure the speed, and thus the temperature, of the atoms vibrating in the sample. Graphic credit: Greg Stewart/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Gold was superheated to 19,000 Kelvin without melting, defying physics and unlocking new possibilities in high-energy research. Physicists have heated gold to over 19,000 Kelvin, more than 14 times its melting point, without melting it, smashing the long-standing “entropy catastrophe” limit...

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Organic molecule achieves both strong light emission and absorption for displays and imaging

Dual-function organic molecule may advance display technologies and medical imaging
This image depicts the structure of the proposed organic molecule, alongside the energy level diagrams of two-photon absorption (left side) and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (right side). Credit: Youhei Chitose/Kyushu University

Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a novel organic molecule that simultaneously exhibits two highly sought-after properties: efficient light emission suitable for advanced displays and strong light absorption for deep-tissue bioimaging. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in molecular design, paving the way for next-generation multifunctional materials.

Their study, published online in the journal Advanced Materials on July 29, 2025, was conducted in collaboration with the National Taipei University of Technology and...

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Invisible polymer film offers powerful conductivity for smart devices

Invisible material could revolutionise smart tech
Credit: La Trobe University

Scientists at La Trobe University have produced a new, powerful electricity-conducting material in research which could revolutionize smartphones and wearable technologies like medical devices.

The new technique uses hyaluronic acid, well known due to its popularity in skincare, applied directly to a gold-plated surface to create a thinner, more durable film, or polymer, used to conduct electricity in devices like biosensors.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Wren Greene said the technique could lead to major improvements in the function, cost and usability of devices like touchscreens and wearable biosensors.

“Conductive polymers as we know them were developed nearly 50 years ago and although they’re exciting, they haven’t lived up to their poten...

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