Articles
An ‘impossible’ 2D material stronger than steel
Researchers at MIT have developed an ‘impossible’ material: a 2D polymer that self-assembles into sheets and is stronger than steel. Usually, polymers, which include all plastics, form one dimensional, spaghetti-like chains made up of monomers. ...
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A more sustainable alternative to fireworks inspired by fireflies
Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde designed an installation of biodegradable light sparks that float through the air as a more sustainable and quieter alternative to fireworks. Called SPARK, the installation was inspired by the light of ...
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A paving tile made of duckweed
Dutch studio Flip the City designed a biodegradable paving tile made of duckweed to facilitate biodiversity, improve drainage and improve water quality. Duckweed (Lemna) are a free-floating aquatic plants. They can reproduce at a high ...
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A shark-bite resistant wetsuit
Australian company Shark Stop developed a fabric that is resistant to shank bites, even from Great Whites, which they used in combination with bio based neoprene to make wetsuits for diving and surfing. Annually, there ...
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Plant-based nylon
Japanese textile Toray Industries developed a nylon fibre made entirely of plant-based polymers. Nylon was invented in the United States in the 1930s. Because of its supple, durable and wrinkle-resistant properties, it has been used ...
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3D printed foam elements
In a project called FoamWorks, researchers at ETH Zürich explored how foam 3D printing can be used to produce unique shapes for functional stay-in-place or temporary and recyclable formwork in concrete casting. Making geometrically complex ...
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