Synergistic aerogel materials developed for heat and fire insulation

Phys.org  August 2, 2024 Researchers in China demonstrated an interpenetrated multinetwork hybrid aerogel realizing thermal insulation, flame retardancy, and high compression modulus. One-dimensional hydroxyapatite nanowires (HAP) formed a three-dimensional interpenetrated multinetwork structure to optimize the thermal conductivity. The multinetwork hybrid aerogels exhibited thermal insulation performance in room temperature and enhanced ultrahigh compression modulus, flame retardancy and self-extinguishing smoke suppression properties. According to the researchers multinetwork hybrid aerogels are promising candidates for efficient heat insulation, fire prevention, and robust applications… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE 

Scientists develop new materials that move in response to light

Phys.org  July 24, 2018 A team of researchers in the US (Tufts University, Los Alamos National Laboratory) has developed magnetic elastomeric composites that move in different ways when exposed to light. The flexible material composites, when illuminated, are capable of macroscale motion, through the interplay of optically absorptive elements and low Curie temperature magnetic materials. These composites can be formed into films, sponges, monoliths, and hydrogels, and can be actuated with light at desired locations. They demonstrated the versatility of the material for gripping and releasing, heliotactic motion, light-driven propulsion, and rotation… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE