The Transistors on Plastics event, held in Cambridge, UK, from 24-25 February, brought together delegates to discuss the latest developments in this field.

Forming a martensite phase in beta titanium alloys could achieve toughness properties similar to transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steels, say researchers in The Netherlands.

A UK-based scientist is exploring low temperature solvothermal synthesis in an attempt to create materials with improved thermoelectric efficiency for power generation and cooling in electronics.

Researchers in the USA are developing a smart coating to enable early detection of rust
or corrosion in metals.

A reusable construction board made from recycled mixed plastics is on offer from 2K Manufacturing, based in London, UK. The company is using a powder impression moulding (PIM) technology to process up to seven waste polymers into one, and the plyboard can also be broken down and re-moulded at the end of its lifecycle. 

Nuclear power, packaging, climate change and transport are just some of the areas that are receiving more column inches and airtime in the mainstream media. Scientists’ input to the debate is vital, but often they feel misrepresented or ignored. Rupal Mehta explores the relationship between science and the media, the challenges, and why it is a three-way street.

The need for an online system that measures the biomass content in solid recovered fuel (mixed waste) was outlined at a seminar held in London, UK, on 24 February. Such a tool remains an 'instrumentation challenge' for producing energy from waste.

In the UK, the business of collecting and recycling waste plastics is continuing to grow, despite the current volatility of the market for recovered materials. As work begins on Closed Loop Recycling's second facility in Deeside, Gary Price explores the state of plastics reprocessing.