In this month's news we report on a process for turning non-magnetic iron monoxide into magnetite, a cheaper method of producing fire retardant products using recycled textiles, and keratin derived from poultry feathers as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. We see how zeolites could reduce formaldehyde emissions from particleboard, and how clay is becoming a growing commodity for nuclear waste storage.

In our cover features, scientists from the National Physical Laboratory, in Teddington, UK, analyse measurement techniques for particle content and distribution in polymer nanocomposites, while lightweighting electrical energy storage using composite materials is explained. The part played by carbon fibre in the next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles is investigated, and researchers at Queen’s University Belfast, UK, report on the Sustainable Transport Project to develop materials, lifecycle analysis and digital manufacture.

Mining features look at enhancing the thermal conductivity of nuclear fuel pellets and the pitfalls in purchasing resources.