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3D-Printed Plastics With High Performance Electrical Circuits

November 5, 2019 sarah JonasResearch Results

Rutgers engineers have embedded high performance electrical circuits inside 3D-printed plastics, which could lead to smaller and versatile drones and better-performing small satellites, biomedical implants and smart structures. They used pulses of high-energy light to fuse tiny silver wires, resulting in circuits that conduct 10 times more electricity than the state of the art, according to a study in the journal Additive Manufacturing. By increasing conductivity 10-fold, the engineers can reduce energy use, extend the life of devices and increase their performance.

Rethinking the science of plastic recycling

October 23, 2019 sarah JonasResearch Results

A multi-institutional collaboration reports a catalytic method for selectively converting discarded plastics into higher quality products. The team included Argonne National Laboratory, Ames Laboratory, Northwestern University and three other universities.

Upcycling polyethylene plastic waste into lubricant oils

October 23, 2019 sarah JonasResearch Results

Researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have developed a catalyst that can transform polyethylene –– the type of plastic used to make grocery bags –– into high-quality liquid products, such as motor oils and waxes.

Location, Location, Location… How charge placement can control a self-assembled structure

October 8, 2019 sarah JonasFeature

For years, scientists have formed polymers using the interaction of charges on molecular chains to determine the shape, geometry, and other properties. Now, a team achieved precise and predictable control of molecular chains by positioning charges. Their method leads to particles with reproducible sizes.