The introduction of nanoclay to polyurethane improves properties such as
strength and stability in the resulting foam. Sara Tabandeh from
Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, outlines studies
into the synthesis process.
A team of researchers from The University of Bath are developing a new
nano-imprint process that could improve on the established techniques
such as lithography, ablation and etching.
Naturally-occurring nanoscale materials have been in the environment for
millions of years, yet little is known about their occurrence and inputs.
With an emerging nanotechnology industry, a proper appraisal of their
potential risk is well overdue.
Dr Steve Barrett from the University of Liverpool, UK, has been studying
rare earth metals for 20 years. Here he explains how preparation of the
surface layer is crucial to the functionality of these scarce elements.
There are constant warnings about the risks of exhausting supply of
vital resources, including the impact on our way of life. Professor
Animesh Jha, from the Institute for Materials Research at the University
of Leeds, UK, examines the sources of rare earth elements and the
research driving their use in emerging technologies.
The range of uses rare earth ions provide for technological development
are seemingly endless. Professor Daniel Hewak, head of the Novel Glasses
for Optoelectronic Devices Research Group at The University of
Southampton, UK shows how this valuable commodity is already changing
the world.
A polymer network using polyaniline could be the solution to enhanced
hydrogen storage. Dr K Balasubramanian from the Defence Institute of
Advanced Technology (DIAT) in Pune, India, explains how this could
provide an alternative to traditional energy systems.
Despite some high-profile examples in retail, active and intelligent
packaging has never really broken into the European mainstream.
Technology and packaging writer Paul Gander asks why this is, and how
one major initiative is hoping to change that.
