A recipe for strength

Article Abstract:

Nanophase materials can result in harder metals, but more brittle. However it is still reasonable to expected that nanometre-scale composite materials may be better than conventional composites. Researchers have discussed the challenges of making nanocomposites at a conference in Alaska, and concluded that inputs from several fields would be required to make it work. Nanotubes and nanoparticles are simple systems for molecular modellers and computer simulation show deformation that is characteristic of tensile failure of spiralled cardboard tubes and hollow plant cells.

Nanotechnology

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Strength in disunity

Article Abstract:

The development of molecular-scale tubes of carbon and silica suggests that new fine-scale polymer composite with exceptional strength may soon be produced. Polymer composites are widely used in the aerospace industry because they combine stiffness and strength with low density. B.A. Harrington, M.E. Kenney and G.B. Goodwin have demonstrated that a synthetic form of the rare mineral litidonite can yield a promising new composite. This achievement is important since such a composite would have many uses as a replacement for sheet metal.

Usage, Innovations, Polymers, Composite materials, Strength of materials, Strength (Materials)

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The structure of starch

Article Abstract:

Starch granules provide a storage system for plants, but it has been difficult in the past to analyse their inner structure because some starches are badly damaged by radiation used in transmission electron microscopes. A new study using the ESRF Synchrotron in Grenoble shows that starch granules are ellipsoidal and grow in rings, with alternating shells of crystalline and amylopectin material.

Observations, Starch, Biopolymers

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