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Materials

Urban mining: Europe turns to AI-driven robotics to tackle critical raw materials shortage

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As Europe accelerates its transition to a green and digital economy, securing a stable supply of critical raw materials (CRMs) has become a pressing concern.

Materials like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are indispensable for technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and semiconductors.

However, with a significant portion of these resources imported from a limited number of countries, including China, the EU faces vulnerabilities in its supply chains. [Read more…] about Urban mining: Europe turns to AI-driven robotics to tackle critical raw materials shortage

UBQ Materials launches new ‘sustainable’ plastics range made from household waste

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Materials science company UBQ Materials has launched UBQ Masterbatch – its new product portfolio that the company says is “set to transform manufacturing and supply chains” because the technology turns household waste into plastic.

As US landfills are projected to run out of capacity by 2036, UBQ Materials provides a solution to the looming waste crisis.

The patented process transforms mixed household waste – including organics and hard-to-recycle materials – into a plastic alternative used in a wide range of everyday goods, from flowerpots to building materials and beyond. [Read more…] about UBQ Materials launches new ‘sustainable’ plastics range made from household waste

Superwood: A potentially revolutionary material that could replace steel

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A new and exotic material known as “Superwood”, developed by materials science startup InventWood, is set to redefine the possibilities of wood in construction, manufacturing, and beyond.

InventWood, a spin-off from the University of Maryland where the foundational research was conducted by Dr Liangbing Hu, has created a product touted as stronger than steel yet significantly lighter.

This innovative engineered wood promises a future where the natural appeal of wood meets unprecedented strength and durability. [Read more…] about Superwood: A potentially revolutionary material that could replace steel

Materials science startup InventWood raises $15 million for its ‘stronger than steel’ Superwood

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InventWood, creator of what the startup describes as a “revolutionary” material – Superwood, has secured $15 million in the first close of its Series A funding round.

This investment marks a significant milestone as the company prepares to begin shipments from its first commercial manufacturing facility in Frederick, Maryland, in the third quarter of 2025.

InventWood has now successfully secured more than $50 million in total capital, which supported the construction of its first production facility and positions the company to scale rapidly. [Read more…] about Materials science startup InventWood raises $15 million for its ‘stronger than steel’ Superwood

Top 20 most exotic materials discovered or created by scientists

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In a significant step forward for electronics innovation, researchers from Murata Manufacturing and Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) have unveiled a massive new database of dielectric material properties.

This extensive collection, detailed in a study published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods, has been curated from thousands of scientific papers and is set to accelerate the development of next-generation electronics like smartphones and advanced energy storage systems.

The initiative addresses a major bottleneck in AI-driven materials discovery – the lack of large, diverse datasets. [Read more…] about Top 20 most exotic materials discovered or created by scientists

New database of materials accelerates electronics innovation

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A massive new database of dielectric material properties could speed up the development of electronics like smartphones and energy storage systems.

In a collaboration between Murata Manufacturing, and the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), researchers have built a comprehensive new database of dielectric material properties curated from thousands of scientific papers.

The study, published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods, also offers insights that could accelerate the development of next-generation electronic materials and energy storage technologies. [Read more…] about New database of materials accelerates electronics innovation

No way out: The science of sealing technologies

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In the complex world of machinery, vehicles, and industrial systems, it is often the unseen components and materials that play the most critical roles.

Among these are sealing technologies – essential elements that ensure equipment operates efficiently, safely, and reliably.

Seals may seem simple at first glance, but behind each one lies a highly sophisticated combination of materials science, engineering design, and manufacturing precision. [Read more…] about No way out: The science of sealing technologies

The Role of Advanced Sealing Technologies in Industrial Robotics

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As industrial robots evolve to meet the increasing demands of high-speed manufacturing, autonomous logistics, and precision assembly, the performance of critical components such as sealing solutions becomes more important than ever.

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed advanced sealing technologies that directly enhance the efficiency, durability, and operational reliability of robots.

Through the use of innovative materials, advanced sealing geometries, and ingress protection solutions, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is setting new standards in robotic sealing solutions. [Read more…] about The Role of Advanced Sealing Technologies in Industrial Robotics

Swiss Steel launches lead-free machinable steel

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The Swiss Steel Group, a pioneer in sustainable steel production, once again demonstrates its innovative strength with the launch of its new lead-free machinable steel, 11SMn30+BX.

As the steel industry undergoes a significant transformation toward sustainability, this product marks an important milestone. With this introduction, Swiss Steel Group addresses growing environmental requirements while remaining at the forefront of industrial development. [Read more…] about Swiss Steel launches lead-free machinable steel

Alleima pushes high-strength and corrosion-resistant steel for sustainable energy sectors

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Alleima, a manufacturer of high value-added products in advanced stainless steels and special alloys as well as products for industrial heating, has launched an updated version of its Alleima HighN50 bars to meet industry demands for materials that perform reliably under harsh conditions.

Alleima HighN50 bar is an advanced austenitic stainless steel (XM-19/UNS S20910) known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and non-magnetic properties.

Although the material has been in the market for years, Alleima has constantly refined and secured the product line and is now offering bars in two distinct variations: Alleima HighN50-A (annealed) and Alleima HighN50-HS (high-strength). [Read more…] about Alleima pushes high-strength and corrosion-resistant steel for sustainable energy sectors