Materials Features

Tense graphene joins forces with gold nano-antennas

Tense graphene joins forces with gold nano-antennas

Graphene can be used to investigate how light interacts with nano-antennas, potentially increasing the efficiency of solar cells and photo detectors.

'4D-printed' materials will adapt to stimuli

'4D-printed' materials will adapt to stimuli

Researchers at Harvard SEAS, the University of Illinois, and University of Pittsburgh have been awarded a grant to develop '4D printing' of functionally adaptive materials.

Surface treatments for longer wearing machine elements

Surface treatments for longer wearing machine elements

The footprint of any machine is very important and, for that reason elements are made as small as possible, compatible with the task that they are required to perform. Roger Haw explains the considerations that need to be taken into account by designers when choosing surface hardening for such components.

The power and potential of piezoelectric energy harvesting

The power and potential of piezoelectric energy harvesting

The process of piezoelectric energy harvesting – that of converting mechanical into electrical energy – has rapidly gained momentum in recent years for a number of reasons, primarily due to its energy efficiency and environmental benefits. Fred Pimparel reports.

Metallized injection moulded components: an automated approach

Metallized injection moulded components: an automated approach

Injection moulding of reflectors is a highly complex process where any imperfections reduce the performance of the end product. In a bid to improve profitability without outsourcing overseas, injection moulding specialist IV Group has invested in a new type of metallization plant that works in tandem with the injection moulding machine in an unmanned cell, coating reflectors as they come off t

fonts/
or