Materials Science at KTH’s Post

1,000 Times Smaller Than a Grain of Sand – #Newest #Optical #Fiber #Technology Could #Supercharge #Internet #Speeds By— #KTH | MAY 20, 2024 ||#Swedish #researchers have 3D-printed #silica #glass #micro-#optics on #optical #fibers, #enhancing #internet #speed and #connectivity. This technique, more resilient and precise, could #revolutionize #remote #sensing, #pharmaceuticals, and #photonics.|| In a first for communications, Swedish researchers have successfully 3D printed silica glass micro-optics directly onto the tips of optical fibers, areas as tiny as the cross-section of a human hair. This breakthrough could lead to faster internet speeds and enhanced connectivity, along with the development of smaller sensors and more compact imaging systems. #Reporting in the #journal #ACS #Nano, researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in #Stockholm say integrating silica glass optical devices with optical fibers enables multiple innovations, including more sensitive remote sensors for the environment and healthcare. The printing techniques they report also could prove valuable in the production of pharmaceuticals and chemicals. ● Advancements in Printing Techniques KTH #Professor #KristinnGylfason says the method overcomes longstanding limitations in structuring optical fiber tips with silica glass, which he says often require high-temperature treatments that compromise the integrity of temperature-sensitive fiber coatings. In contrast to other methods, the process begins with a base material that doesn’t contain carbon. That means high temperatures are not needed to drive out carbon in order to make the glass structure transparent. | [Reference: “3D Printing of Glass Micro-Optics with Subwavelength Features on Optical Fiber Tips” by Lee-Lun Lai, Po-Han Huang, Göran Stemme, Frank Niklaus and Kristinn B. Gylfason, 29 March 2024, ACS Nano. DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11030] #ROYAL #INSTITUTE OF #TECHNOLOGY #Details: ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/gAE6JgJN

The 2D-PRINTABLE project aims to integrate sustainable large-scale liquid exfoliation techniques with theoretical modelling to efficiently produce a wide range of new 2DM, including conducting, semiconducting and insulating nanosheets. They aim to produce over 45 new 2DM with properties ideal for electronics and photonics applications. In the process, 2D-PRINTABLE will demonstrate that 2DM are an indispensable material class in the field of printed electronics, capable of producing far-beyond-state-of-the-art devices that can act as a platform for the next generation of printed digital applications. The development of such innovative materials and processing techniques will contribute to high-performance printed electronics, in addition to reinforcing European leadership in the industry. 2D-PRINTABLE plans to boost networking and cooperation among the projects within the Graphene Flagship initiative, thus assisting to establish Europe as a competitive leader within the field of 2DM technology. Read more in our Annual Report 2023 https://buff.ly/3WFyN9T

Which MEMS applications are mature, which are nearly there, and which are way off in the future? Classifying them using Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) helps us understand. In her recent talk at the SEMI MEMS and Imaging Sensors Summit, our CEO Alissa M. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. delved into the trends in emerging MEMS applications, and their TRL. Let’s take a closer look at a couple of the applications she highlighted: 🏬 “Photonics is in the news!” AI data centers are power hungry, so there are plans to rip out the copper and put in fiber. This will need optical cross connects and more – MEMS can be used as tuning and switching elements in photonic circuits. The technology looks relatively mature, and Alissa classified this as TRL 6. 🖨️ Further out at TRL 4 is 3-D printed MEMS: we will soon be printing our MEMS for low-cost sensors, rapid prototyping, and low-volume MEMS manufacturing, but the technology is not yet fully mature. Typically, advancing from TRL 1 to TRL 10 can take 5, 10, 15 and even 20 years. AMF focusses on emerging MEMS technology “Lab to Fab” (in the range TRL 2 to 7) and this is where we can help you accelerate your journey. You can read more about Alissa’s representative emerging MEMS applications and their position on the TRL scale here: https://lnkd.in/eS7jcuNs  #piezoMEMS #MEMS #AI #TRL 

🧪Researchers Develop 'Glassy Gels' - Hard, Durable, Flexible and over 50% Liquid💡 🔬 Researchers at North Carolina State University have introduced an innovative class of materials called "glassy gels" that combine the best of both glassy polymers and gels. These materials are hard, durable, and surprisingly flexible, despite containing over 50% liquid. This breakthrough offers promising applications across various industries. 🏆 What Makes Glassy Gels Special? ✨ Hard Yet Stretchable: Glassy gels are as tough as glassy polymers but can stretch up to five times their original length without breaking. When heated, they return to their original shape. 🔌 Conductive & Adhesive: Containing over 50% liquid, these gels are efficient conductors of electricity and have highly adhesive surfaces, making them unique among hard materials. How Are They Made? 🧪 The process begins with liquid precursors of glassy polymers mixed with an ionic liquid. This mixture is poured into a mold and exposed to ultraviolet light to cure, forming the glassy gel. The ionic liquid, made entirely of ions, interacts with the polymer to make the material both stretchable and hard. Potential Applications 🔧 Versatility: Glassy gels can be made using various polymers and ionic liquids. Their unique properties suggest they could be useful in electronics, medical devices, and more. 🛠️ Ease of Production: The simple production process, which includes curing in molds or 3D printing, makes glassy gels accessible for practical applications. 🧲 Adhesive Properties:The adhesive nature of glassy gels, while not fully understood, opens up possibilities for new industrial uses where sticking power is essential. Research and Collaboration 📜 The study, titled "Glassy Gels Toughened by Solvent," was published in Nature and involved collaboration with researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 🧑🔬 Researchers are eager to explore further applications and are open to collaboration. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking material! Follow our page to stay informed about the latest tech news and innovations. 🌟📢 #MaterialsScience #Innovation #Research #TechNews #Engineering #GlassyGels #NorthCarolinaStateUniversity #MaterialInnovation

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄’𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 🏗️ The Advanced Materials Market is at the forefront of technological advancements, powering innovations across industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and electronics. These materials, including composites, nanomaterials, and biomaterials, offer superior properties like enhanced strength, lightweight, and resistance to wear and corrosion, driving breakthroughs in product development and sustainability. 🔍 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀: Rising demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in the automotive and aerospace sectors to improve fuel efficiency. Growth in nanotechnology and its application in electronics, healthcare, and environmental solutions. Increasing focus on sustainability, leading to the development of eco-friendly materials with recyclable properties. 📈 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀: Integration of nanomaterials in consumer electronics for faster, smaller, and more powerful devices. Development of bio-based materials in response to the growing push for green and sustainable solutions. Expansion of advanced materials in 3D printing, creating new opportunities in manufacturing. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀: 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩 -  https://lnkd.in/gGmxRCya    𝙉𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩 -  https://lnkd.in/guKVHASu    𝙉𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩-  https://lnkd.in/gaPVmN8n    𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝘼𝙡𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙢 𝘼𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙮𝙨 𝘼𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩 -  https://lnkd.in/gPazAJfQ    Contact Us for More Information: Email: sales@verifiedmarketresearch.com Phone: +1 650 781 4080 Website: https://lnkd.in/gYzGrR4    #AdvancedMaterials #Nanomaterials #Biomaterials #SmartMaterials #Aerospace #Automotive #MarketResearch #Innovation

#Engineering | 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 | Led by Prof. Dr. Romain Fleury from EPFL, Prof. Dr. Bakhtiyar Orazbayev, and Dr. Matthieu Malléjac, groundbreaking research has emerged in manipulating objects using soundwaves. This innovative research was conducted in collaboration with the University of Bordeaux, Nazarbayev University, and the Technische Universität Wien. The team conducted experiments involving an array of speakers emitting audible sound waves to direct a floating ping-pong ball along a pre-determined path in a large tank of water. Feedback from a second array of microphones allowed real-time calculations to optimize the sound waves' momentum, enabling precise control. This technique has significant potential applications, including targeted drug delivery, biological analysis, tissue engineering, and 3D printing. 👉 Learn more >> https://lnkd.in/e4Xqi2tF 👉 Original publication >> https://lnkd.in/egS-eKRs Image: iStock 🇨🇭 Follow #ScienceSwitzerland for the latest news and emerging trends on Swiss science, technology, education, and innovation >> www.swissinnovation.org Follow us >> Science-Switzerland #Science | #Education | #Research | #Innovation

Excited to share my latest publication: "Recent development of electrochemically exfoliated graphene and its hybrid conductive inks for printed electronics applications" in the prestigious Journal SYNTHETIC METALS, Elsevier. https://lnkd.in/gZeUhFFF This review paper explores the cutting-edge advancements in graphene conductive ink production through electrochemical exfoliation. Our work: • Showcases a cost-effective, eco-friendly method for graphene synthesis • Highlights potential applications in energy storage, wearable tech, and smart devices • Provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in graphene and hybrid conductive inks Why it matters: ✅ Accelerates development of flexible, efficient electronic devices ✅ Offers insights for researchers pushing the boundaries of printed electronics ✅ Contributes to more sustainable manufacturing processes in the electronics industry Interested in the future of printed electronics? Read the full paper: https://lnkd.in/gmtHhVJm #GrapheneTechnology #PrintedElectronics #MaterialScience #SustainableInnovation #NYUAD New York University Abu Dhabi

🔬 Exploring New Frontiers in Polymer Research 🌟 Polymer research is constantly evolving, opening up exciting new possibilities that push the boundaries of science and technology. Here are some of the latest concepts in polymer research that are shaping the future: 1. Bioinspired Polymers: Nature has always been a source of inspiration for innovative materials. Bioinspired polymers mimic the structure and function of natural materials, leading to advances in self-healing materials, responsive surfaces, and sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. 2. Polydopamine Coatings: Derived from the adhesive proteins of mussels, polydopamine is making waves in surface modification. Its versatility allows it to adhere to virtually any surface, enabling applications in biomedical devices, water purification, and energy storage. 3. Stimuli-Responsive Polymers: These “smart” polymers can change their properties in response to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, or light. They hold great promise for drug delivery systems, where precise control over release rates can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes. 4. Conductive Polymers: With the growing demand for flexible electronics, conductive polymers are at the forefront. They combine the electrical properties of metals with the processing advantages of polymers, paving the way for innovations in wearable electronics, sensors, and energy harvesting devices. 5. Recyclable Polymers: Sustainability is a major focus in polymer research. New developments in recyclable polymers aim to reduce environmental impact by designing materials that can be easily reprocessed and reused, supporting a circular economy. 6. 3D Printing and Polymers: Advances in polymer chemistry are enhancing the capabilities of 3D printing. High-performance polymers designed for additive manufacturing are enabling the production of complex, customized structures for aerospace, medical implants, and beyond. These cutting-edge concepts are just the tip of the iceberg. As polymer research continues to advance, we can expect even more groundbreaking innovations that will transform industries and improve our daily lives. To all the researchers and scientists driving these innovations, your work is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. Keep pushing the boundaries and exploring the limitless potential of polymers. #PolymerResearch #InnovativeMaterials #BioinspiredPolymers #SmartPolymers #ConductivePolymers #Sustainability #3DPrinting #BiomedicalEngineering

Curious what the future of #MEMS and #sensors has in store? Find out in the link below 👇