#Advanced Polymers

[ajaydmr]

Global Silicone Elastomer Market Analysis Business Revenue Forecast Size Leading Competitors And Growth Trends

Global Silicone Elastomer Market: Key Drivers, Trends, and Regional Growth Analysis

The Global Silicone Elastomer Market is experiencing remarkable growth as industries increasingly shift toward advanced, high-performance materials. From automotive and electronics to healthcare and construction, the demand for silicone elastomers is expanding rapidly due to their exceptional thermal stability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental stress.

With global infrastructure developments and industrial innovations accelerating, the silicone elastomer sector is projected to nearly double in value over the next decade.

Market Overview

Silicone elastomers are synthetic rubber-like materials made from silicone polymers and curing agents. Known for their durability and resistance to heat, UV radiation, and chemicals, these materials perform reliably under extreme conditions where traditional rubbers often fail.

According to recent forecasts, the global market is expected to reach USD 9.3 billion by 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 7.7%, hitting USD 18.3 billion by 2034. This growth reflects their increasing adoption in industries demanding superior material performance.

Major Growth Drivers

1. Expanding Automotive Applications

Silicone elastomers are essential in the automotive sector for components like gaskets, seals, and hoses. The transition toward electric vehicles (EVs) and lighter, more efficient car designs is increasing demand for heat-resistant and long-lasting materials.

2. Rapid Growth in Construction

With urbanization on the rise, especially in Asia and developing markets, silicone elastomers are widely used in window glazing, roofing, and structural seals. Their weather resistance and flexibility make them a preferred choice for long-term construction performance.

3. Rising Healthcare and Medical Use

In the medical field, silicone elastomers are valued for their biocompatibility and flexibility. They are used in products ranging from catheters and tubing to implants. As healthcare advances and populations age, demand in this sector continues to grow.

4. Increasing Use in Electronics

Silicone elastomers are vital for insulating materials, protective covers, and keypads in consumer electronics and telecommunications. Their excellent dielectric properties ensure safety and reliability in compact and high-efficiency devices.

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Regional Breakdown: Asia Pacific Taking the Lead

Asia Pacific

Expected to hold approximately 48.2% of the global market share by 2025, Asia Pacific dominates due to fast-paced industrialization and urban development. Countries like China, India, and Japan are spearheading growth through large-scale manufacturing, automotive expansion, and infrastructure investment.

Other Key Regions:

North America: Driven by medical innovation and electric vehicle production.

Europe: Focused on sustainable construction and advanced automotive technologies.

Latin America & Middle East: Emerging opportunities due to growing industrialization and infrastructure projects.

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Core Applications

Silicone elastomers are used across numerous applications:

Automotive: Employed in engine components, seals, and vibration dampers due to their resistance to heat and mechanical stress.

Healthcare: Used in prosthetics, surgical tools, and drug delivery systems for their non-toxic, hypoallergenic properties.

Electronics: Provide moisture and thermal protection to delicate electronic parts.

Construction: Found in sealants, adhesives, and weatherproofing applications, enhancing structural durability.

Market Challenges

Despite their advantages, the market faces certain hurdles:

High production costs: Raw materials and complex manufacturing processes elevate product pricing.

Environmental concerns: Silicone materials are not biodegradable, and recycling options are still limited.

Supply chain issues: Global disruptions and raw material shortages can impact production and costs.

Emerging Trends

Several innovations are influencing the future of silicone elastomers:

Sustainable materials: Development of eco-friendly or recyclable silicone formulations.

Silicone 3D printing: Used to create custom parts for healthcare and electronics.

Smart silicone technologies: Materials that respond to heat, pressure, or light for use in sensors and wearable tech.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are silicone elastomers? Flexible, durable materials made from silicone polymers that resist heat, UV, and chemicals.

Which industries are boosting market growth? Primarily automotive, healthcare, electronics, and construction sectors.

Why is Asia Pacific the largest market? Due to industrial growth, urban development, and strong demand from manufacturing and construction sectors.

What is the market outlook? Expected to grow from USD 9.3 billion in 2025 to USD 18.3 billion by 2034, with a 7.7% CAGR.

Are silicone elastomers sustainable? They are long-lasting but not biodegradable. Research into recyclable and eco-friendly versions is underway.

Conclusion

The Global Silicone Elastomer Market is poised for impressive growth, thanks to rising demand for durable, high-performance materials across essential industries. As countries invest in smarter infrastructure, electric vehicles, and advanced healthcare, silicone elastomers will play an even larger role in shaping the future.

While challenges like cost and environmental impact persist, ongoing innovation and regional expansion — particularly in Asia Pacific — will ensure this market remains dynamic and highly relevant.

[medicaldevicesindustrynews]

Shaping Tomorrow: Insights into the Thermoplastic Polyester Engineering Resins Market

The thermoplastic polyester engineering resins market was USD 3,912.2 million in 2022, and it will touch USD 5,896.6 million, advancing at a 5.4% compound annual growth rate, by 2030. The growth of the industry is attributed to the increasing utilization of these resins for various nonstructural applications as they can be utilized without filters and are usually tougher and more ductile than…

[lissomelace]

searching "how silicone is made" for. uh. absolutely no reason at all.

[mastergarryblogs]

How Israeli Tech is Shaping the Future of Additive Manufacturing Worldwide

Overview of Israel’s Strategic Position in Additive Manufacturing

Israel has rapidly emerged as a global force in additive manufacturing (AM), fortified by a powerful high-tech ecosystem, robust government support, and a legacy of innovation in defense, aerospace, and medical technologies. With the Israel additive manufacturing market valued at USD 221.4 billion in 2024 and forecasted to exceed USD 280.3 billion by 2032, the nation is positioned to lead transformative advances in 3D printing technologies. The Israel additive manufacturing market compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7% reflects both escalating domestic demand and global interest in Israeli AM innovation.

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Driving Forces of Growth in Israel's Additive Manufacturing Market

Innovation Across Key Industrial Verticals

Israel additive manufacturing market sector is evolving as a backbone for modernization in:

Aerospace and Defense: Lightweight components, complex geometries, and high-performance materials enable operational efficiency and reduced lead times.

Healthcare: Customized prosthetics, implants, bioprinting, and surgical models offer patient-centric care and improved clinical outcomes.

Automotive and Industrial Manufacturing: Rapid prototyping, tooling, and small-batch production optimize supply chains and cut production timelines.

These sectors benefit from the convergence of additive technologies with AI, machine learning, and advanced robotics, all core competencies of Israel's high-tech sector.

Rising Demand for Customization and Sustainability

The shift toward sustainable manufacturing and personalized solutions is fueling AM adoption. Israeli startups and research institutions are developing biocompatible, recyclable, and multi-material printing solutions that meet stringent regulatory and industry-specific standards.

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Technological Landscape of the Israeli Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem

Polymer-Based Additive Manufacturing

Valued at USD 306.31 million in 2024, this segment dominates due to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and compatibility with lightweight, complex part production. With an expected CAGR of 17.3%, applications in consumer goods, automotive interiors, and medical devices continue to surge.

Metal-Based Additive Manufacturing

Growing at a robust 20.1% CAGR, metal AM is the cornerstone of defense and aerospace advancements. In 2024, it accounted for USD 180.86 million, projected to exceed USD 775.48 million by 2032. Israel’s focus on titanium, aluminum alloys, and nickel-based superalloys supports structural applications with high thermal and mechanical stability.

Hybrid Additive Manufacturing

By blending subtractive and additive processes, hybrid AM enhances surface finish and dimensional accuracy, critical in precision tooling, aerospace, and dental prosthetics. This segment is rapidly gaining traction due to its versatility and integration into smart manufacturing systems.

Segmental Breakdown of the Israel Additive Manufacturing Market

By Component

Hardware: Represents the largest share, valued at USD 1,137.28 million in 2024, supporting high-throughput production and industrial-scale fabrication.

Software: Fueled by AI-powered design, generative modeling, and process simulation, this segment is experiencing 19.9% CAGR, revolutionizing digital twin applications and real-time process monitoring.

Services: The on-demand printing ecosystem is expanding, empowering SMEs to access advanced AM capabilities with minimal capital expenditure.

By Deployment Model

In-House Manufacturing: With a Israel additive manufacturing market valuation of USD 317.09 million in 2024, large enterprises prefer internal AM operations for confidentiality and operational control.

Service-Based Models: Growing at 19.4% CAGR, third-party service bureaus are crucial in democratizing access to advanced AM technologies for startups and research institutions.

By Functionality

Prototyping: Dominates with USD 340.60 million in 2024, essential for R&D, iterative design, and proof-of-concept validation.

Production: The rising shift to end-use part manufacturing is catalyzing growth in this segment, valued at USD 197.73 million in 2024.

Tooling: Customized, high-durability tooling supports faster transitions from design to production across various industrial sectors.

By Printer Size

Small/Compact Printers: Most accessible and dominant segment, valued at USD 253.09 million in 2024, ideal for labs, healthcare, and educational institutions.

Medium and Large Printers: Increasingly adopted in industrial manufacturing, these enable batch production and larger component fabrication.

End-Use Industries Driving Adoption

Aerospace & Defense

USD 159.32 million in 2024, this sector prioritizes weight reduction, material performance, and supply chain agility. With Israel’s defense sector being R&D intensive, 3D printing significantly enhances manufacturing autonomy and mission-readiness.

Healthcare & Medical

USD 131.40 million in 2024, growing due to demand for patient-specific devices, bioprinted tissues, and anatomical models. With innovations in regenerative medicine, Israel is at the forefront of personalized healthcare.

Industrial & Automotive

Israel’s industrial ecosystem leverages AM for lightweighting, thermal management, and low-volume production, especially in EV components and robotics enclosures.

Strategic Movements and Competitive Intelligence

Leading Israel Additive Manufacturing Market Participants

Stratasys: A global pioneer, deeply rooted in Israel, with continuous development in multi-material, high-resolution systems.

XJet: Revolutionizing ceramic and metal printing with NanoParticle Jetting™ technology.

Nano Dimension: Innovator in multi-layer electronics and PCB printing, driving miniaturization and functional integration.

Recent Developments

XJet (June 2024): Launched new ceramic printers with applications in automotive and aerospace, enhancing resolution and mechanical strength.

Nano Dimension (Sept 2024): Acquired startups to advance multi-material electronics printing, expanding their capabilities in embedded sensor systems.

Challenges and Strategic Opportunities

Major Israel Additive Manufacturing Market Challenges

Capital Intensity: High upfront costs limit adoption, especially among SMEs.

Talent Gap: Scarcity of AM-trained professionals hampers rapid scaling.

Scaling Complexity: Transitioning from prototype to full production requires new QA methodologies and workflow optimization.

Strategic Israel Additive Manufacturing Market Opportunities

Workforce Development: Partnerships with universities and technical institutes to offer AM-centric curricula.

Material Innovation Hubs: Support from government and private sectors to develop high-strength composites, bioresorbable materials, and nanostructured alloys.

Sustainability Mandates: Incentives for closed-loop manufacturing systems, energy-efficient printers, and recyclable materials.

Future Outlook: Israel’s Role in Global Additive Manufacturing Leadership

Israel is poised to lead the next frontier of digital manufacturing, where data-driven fabrication, machine learning-enhanced design, and autonomous production lines define industry 4.0. With unmatched cross-sector collaboration between startups, research centers, and government agencies, the nation’s AM sector is evolving from rapid prototyping to full-fledged production infrastructure.

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Conclusion

Israel additive manufacturing market is entering a golden era, driven by its technological prowess, strategic policy initiatives, and vibrant innovation culture. As the global demand for agile, sustainable, and customized manufacturing solutions intensifies, Israel is uniquely equipped to lead the charge. Enterprises, investors, and policy makers must align to fully harness this momentum and establish Israel as a global additive manufacturing powerhouse.

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[superchemistryclasses]

Polymer Science Explained: From Everyday Plastics to Advanced Materials

Polymer science is an amazing field of study that explains how some of the most common and useful materials in our world are made. From the plastic wrappers around food to the strong materials used in airplanes, everything depends on polymers. But what exactly is polymer science, and how do these materials work? Let’s break it down in simple terms to understand the basics and importance of this…

[priteshwemarketresearch]

The Competitive Landscape of the Global Self-Healing Coatings Market

Self-Healing Coatings Market Introduction:

The Self-Healing Coatings market is predicted to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.3% from 2024 to 2034, when it is projected to reach USD 16,586.69 Million in 2034, based on an average growth pattern. The market is estimated to reach a value of USD 2,783.74 Million in 2024.

Self-healing coatings are innovative materials designed to autonomously repair minor damages, such as scratches and cracks. These coatings incorporate microcapsules or other smart materials that release healing agents when the surface is compromised, initiating a repair process. This technology extends product lifespan, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances durability. The market for self-healing coatings is rapidly expanding due to increasing demand across industries like automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics.

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Self-Healing Coatings Market Drivers

Several factors are driving the growth of the self-healing coatings market:

Increased Demand for Durability and Longevity: Industries are constantly seeking ways to enhance the durability and lifespan of their products. Self-healing coatings offer a solution by extending the service life of materials, reducing maintenance costs, and improving reliability.

Advancements in Materials Science: Ongoing research and development in materials science have led to more effective and affordable self-healing technologies. This has made it possible to integrate these coatings into a broader range of applications.

Environmental Concerns: As industries strive for more sustainable practices, self-healing coatings offer an eco-friendly solution by reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs, which in turn lowers waste and resource consumption.

Automotive and Aerospace Industries: These sectors are major adopters of self-healing coatings due to their high performance and safety requirements. Self-healing coatings can significantly enhance the durability of parts exposed to harsh conditions.

Applications and Benefits

The potential applications of self-healing coatings are extensive:

Automotive Industry: Self-healing coatings can be applied to car exteriors to repair minor scratches and maintain a pristine appearance. This reduces the need for costly repainting and repairs.

Aerospace Sector: In aerospace, self-healing coatings can protect aircraft components from damage caused by environmental factors and operational stresses, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs.

Electronics: Self-healing coatings can be used to protect sensitive electronic components from damage and wear, thereby extending the life of electronic devices.

Infrastructure: Buildings and bridges coated with self-healing materials can experience fewer issues related to wear and tear, leading to reduced maintenance costs and longer lifespans.

Companies Covered:

Akzo Nobel N.V.

BASF SE

Dow Chemical Company

PPG Industries

3M Company

Sherwin-Williams Company

Axalta Coating Systems

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.

Jotun Group

Hempel A/S

Advanced Polymer Coatings

Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.

Cortec Corporation

Autonomic Materials, Inc.

Sika AG

Market Segments

By Material Type

Polymers

Ceramics

Metal

Others

By Formulation Type

Intrinsic Self-Healing

Extrinsic Self-Healing

By End-use

Automotive

Construction

Aerospace

Electronics

Marine

Others

Growth Factors Driving the Self-Healing Coatings Market

The self-healing coatings market is experiencing robust growth, propelled by several key factors. Understanding these growth drivers provides valuable insight into why this technology is becoming increasingly prominent across various industries. Here’s an in-depth look at the primary factors contributing to the expansion of the self-healing coatings market:

Increasing Demand for Durability and Longevity

In an era where the durability of products is highly valued, self-healing coatings offer a compelling solution. These coatings can significantly enhance the lifespan of materials by repairing minor damages autonomously, which reduces the frequency of repairs and replacements. Industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to construction are seeking ways to extend the service life of their components, driving demand for self-healing technologies.

Technological Advancements in Materials Science

The self-healing coatings market is benefiting from ongoing advancements in materials science. Innovations such as the development of more effective microcapsules, advanced vascular systems, and reversible chemical mechanisms have improved the efficiency and applicability of self-healing coatings. Research and development efforts continue to refine these technologies, making them more versatile and cost-effective.

Future Prospects

The future of the self-healing coatings market looks promising. Ongoing advancements in nanotechnology, biomimetic design, and material science are expected to lead to even more innovative and effective self-healing solutions. Additionally, as industries continue to focus on sustainability and efficiency, the demand for self-healing coatings is likely to grow.

Key objectives of this research are:

To explore Global Market size by respective indicators.

To scrutinize the sum and estimation of the Global Self-Healing Coatings Market Market, Based on key aspects.

To offer an account of the competitive landscape and investigate their development plans.

To examine the Global Market for growth possibilities, and strategic growth.

To review the Global Market size (volume and worth) from the organization, key market regions, items and applications, and statistical data.

To generate competitive learnings and factors analysis, SWOT examination, and business improvement plans for the future.

To scrutinize the range of available and novel organic business growth strategies.

Conclusion

Self-healing coatings represent a groundbreaking advancement in material science, offering the promise of enhanced durability, reduced maintenance, and improved sustainability. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see a broader adoption of these coatings across various sectors, ultimately leading to more resilient and long-lasting products. Whether in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, or infrastructure industries, the self-healing coatings market is set to make a significant impact in the years to come.

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[mohitbisresearch]

The conducting polymers market is projected to be valued at $7.35 billion in 2024, with an expected expansion at a CAGR of 7.97% to reach $15.82 billion by 2034.

[kaushalkumar1711]

Why Top Dispersing Agent Manufacturers Rely on AMPS Monomer for Advanced Industrial Applications

In the world of industrial chemistry, innovation drives efficiency and effectiveness. One such groundbreaking innovation is the widespread adoption of AMPS monomer—scientifically known as 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid—by leading dispersing agent manufacturers. This remarkable chemical compound has transformed the formulation of dispersing agents, offering unparalleled benefits across various industries. From water treatment to paints, coatings, and adhesives, AMPS chemical has proven itself indispensable in crafting advanced solutions for modern industrial challenges. For more information visit Why Top Dispersing Agent Manufacturers Rely on AMPS Monomer for Advanced Industrial Applications give tags

[earthlyelegance]

Unleashing Creativity: Exploring Polymer Clay Jewelry Making Techniques

Polymer Clay Jewelry Making Techniques: Introduction Polymer clay is a versatile and forgiving medium, this implies a promising new form of jewelry-making with an identifiable edge. After first being processed it transforms into a durable, tough mold that can do everything from tiny beads and intricate pendants to towering statement necklaces and sculptural earrings. This article introduces the…

[diccorporation]

Advanced 3D Printing Polymer Materials: Unlocking New Possibilities

3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing across numerous industries, allowing for the creation of complex structures and highly customized products. One key element driving this innovation is 3D printing polymer materials, which offer versatility, strength, and adaptability to meet the demands of various applications.

Types of 3D Printing Polymer Materials

There are several 3D printing polymer materials available today, each catering to specific needs and industries. The most common types include:

PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is one of the most popular choices due to its ease of use and biodegradability. It is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, making it an eco-friendly option for prototypes, consumer goods, and educational tools. PLA is known for its high printability and smooth surface finish.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is a durable material with excellent impact resistance and toughness. It is widely used in industries such as automotive and electronics due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and mechanical stress. However, ABS requires a heated print bed for optimal results and can emit fumes during the printing process.

Nylon: Known for its flexibility and strength, nylon is ideal for functional parts and mechanical components. It has excellent wear resistance and can handle repeated use, making it a favorite in industries like engineering and aerospace. Nylon’s slightly porous nature can absorb moisture from the air, so proper storage is necessary to maintain its quality.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): PETG offers a balance between PLA and ABS, combining strength, flexibility, and ease of printing. It is highly resistant to impact and moisture, making it a good choice for products that need to endure harsh environments. PETG is commonly used for food-safe containers and medical devices.

Applications of 3D Printing Polymers

3D printing polymer materials have found applications in a wide range of industries. In healthcare, custom medical devices, prosthetics, and implants are created using biocompatible polymers. The aerospace and automotive sectors use polymers for lightweight yet durable components that reduce overall weight while maintaining strength.

In consumer goods, polymer materials enable the production of fashion accessories, home décor items, and even footwear. Additionally, the education sector has embraced 3D printing polymers to teach students about design, engineering, and manufacturing.

Future of 3D Printing Polymer Materials

As technology evolves, so does the development of 3D printing polymer materials. New materials with improved strength, flexibility, and sustainability are constantly emerging. This progress paves the way for even more innovative applications, from advanced medical solutions to cutting-edge automotive designs.

In conclusion, 3D printing polymer materials continue to expand the possibilities of additive manufacturing, making it accessible for various industries while offering a range of material properties that cater to diverse needs.

[medicaldevicesindustrynews]

Ceramic Substrates Market Will Reach USD 11,740.8 Million By 2030

In 2023, the ceramic substrates market was valued at USD 7,721.3 million. Forecasts indicate it will grow significantly, reaching USD 11,740.8 million by 2030, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% between 2024 and 2030. This growth of the industry can be credited to the increasing need for such materials in many sectors and the trend of the reduction of electronic…

[nnctales]

Reinventing Infrastructure: The Role of Polymer Composites in Bridge Rehabilitation

Introduction Bridges are critical components of our transportation infrastructure, facilitating the smooth flow of goods and people. However, over time, these vital structures undergo wear and tear due to factors like heavy traffic, weathering, and aging. To address these challenges, engineers and researchers have been exploring innovative materials and techniques for bridge rehabilitation. One…

[nasa]

Setting Sail to Travel Through Space: 5 Things to Know about our New Mission

Our Advanced Composite Solar Sail System will launch aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from the company’s Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand no earlier than April 23, at 6 p.m. EDT. This mission will demonstrate the use of innovative materials and structures to deploy a next-generation solar sail from a CubeSat in low Earth orbit.

Here are five things to know about this upcoming mission:

1. Sailing on Sunshine

Solar sails use the pressure of sunlight for propulsion much like sailboats harness the wind, eliminating the need for rocket fuel after the spacecraft has launched. If all goes according to plan, this technology demonstration will help us test how the solar sail shape and design work in different orbits.

2. Small Package, Big Impact

The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft is a CubeSat the size of a microwave, but when the package inside is fully unfurled, it will measure about 860 square feet (80 square meters) which is about the size of six parking spots. Once fully deployed, it will be the biggest, functional solar sail system – capable of controlled propulsion maneuvers – to be tested in space.

3. Second NASA Solar Sail in Space

If successful, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System will be  the second NASA solar sail to deploy in space, and not only will it be much larger, but this system will also test navigation capabilities to change the spacecraft’s orbit. This will help us gather data for future missions with even larger sails.

4. BOOM: Stronger, Lighter Booms

Just like a sailboat mast supports its cloth sails, a solar sail has support beams called booms that provide structure. The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System mission’s primary objective is to deploy a new type of boom. These booms are made from flexible polymer and carbon fiber materials that are stiffer and 75% lighter than previous boom designs. They can also be flattened and rolled like a tape measure. Two booms spanning the diagonal of the square (23 feet or about 7 meters in length) could be rolled up and fit into the palm of your hand!

5. It’s a bird...it’s a plane...it’s our solar sail!

About one to two months after launch, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft will deploy its booms and unfurl its solar sail. Because of its large size and reflective material, the spacecraft may be visible from Earth with the naked eye if the lighting conditions and orientation are just right!

To learn more about this mission that will inform future space travel and expand our understanding of our Sun and solar system, visit https://www.nasa.gov/mission/acs3/.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[superchemistryclasses]

From Molecules to Materials: Insights from Nature Chemistry Communications

Introduction The transformation of molecules into functional materials is at the heart of modern chemistry. From electronics to medicine, material science is revolutionizing industries by designing molecules that enhance performance, sustainability, and efficiency. Nature Chemistry Communications, a leading scientific journal, publishes groundbreaking research on molecular innovations that…

[beakers-and-telescopes]

OKAY THIS ARTICLE IS SO COOL

I'm going to try to explain this in a comprehensible way, because honestly it's wild to wrap your head around even for me, who has a degree in chemistry. But bear with me.

Okay, so. Solids, right? They are rigid enough to hold their shape, but aside from that they are quite variable. Some solids are hard, others are soft, some are brittle or rubbery or malleable. So what determines these qualities? And what creates the rigid structure that makes a solid a solid? Most people would tell you that it depends on the atoms that make up the solid, and the bonds between those atoms. Rubber is flexible because of the polymers it's made of, steel is strong because of the metallic bonds between its atoms. And this applies to all solids. Or so everybody thought.

A paper published in the journal Nature has discovered that biological materials such as wood, fungi, cotton, hair, and anything else that can respond to the humidity in the environment may be composed of a new class of matter dubbed "hydration solids". That's because the rigidity and solidness of the materials doesn't actually come from the atoms and bonds, but from the water molecules hanging out in between.

So basically, try to imagine a hydration solid as a bunch of balloons taped together to form a giant cube, with the actual balloon part representing the atoms and bonds of the material, and the air filling the balloons as the water in the pores of the solid. What makes this "solid" cube shaped? It's not because of the rubber at all, but the air inside. If you took out all the air from inside the balloons, the structure wouldn't be able to hold its shape.

Ozger Sahin, one of the paper's authors, said

"When we take a walk in the woods, we think of the trees and plants around us as typical solids. This research shows that we should really think of those trees and plants as towers of water holding sugars and proteins in place. It's really water's world."

And the great thing about this discovery (and one of the reasons to support its validity) is that thinking about hydration solids this way makes the math so so so much easier. Before this, if you wanted to calculate how water interacts with organic matter, you would need advanced computer simulations. Now, there are simple equations that you can do in your head. Being able to calculate a material's properties using basic physics principles is a really big deal, because so far we have only been able to do that with gasses (PV=nRT anyone?). Expanding that to a group that encompasses 50-90% of the biological world around us is huge.

[reasonsforhope]

"At the University of Maine, one of the world’s largest 3D printers is using sawdust from the state’s lumber industry to 3D print cozy wooden cabins.

It’s part of a move towards making 3D printing faster and more sustainable in a state where the housing shortage that has metastasized in most states around the country is dire.

It’s thought that 80,000 new homes will be needed over the next 5 years to keep pace with demand, and though it takes years for building codes to be changed, the technicians at the Advanced Structures & Composites Center (ASCC) at the Univ. of Maine hope their new toy can help address this need.

Guinness World Records certified the machine at ASCC as the world’s largest prototype polymer 3D printer, capable of creating a 600 square foot house 96 feet in length, 36 feet in width, and 18 feet tall entirely out of bio-based material at a rate of 500 pounds per hour.

In 2022, it could print the walls, floors, and roof of the house in just 96 hours, but the ACSS has been refining the design with the hope of doubling the printing speed and getting it down to a 48-hour timeline.

“When they’re doing concrete, they’re only printing the walls,” Habib Dagher, the executive director of ACSS told CNN. “The approach we’ve taken is quite different from what you’ve seen, and you’ve been reading about for years.”

Indeed, GNN has reported on a fair number of 3D printing projects, but most if not all involve printing only the walls. One fantastical exception is an Italian firm that is 3D-printing domed, beehive-like, modular concept homes inspired by the Great Enclosure in Zimbabwe.

STAND-OUT 3D-PRINTING PROJECTS: 

First 2-Story Home to be 3D Printed in the U.S. Reaches for the Sky in Texas 

The World’s Largest 3D Printed Building is a Horse Barn That Can Endure Florida Hurricanes

This 23-Year-Old Founder is 3D Printing Schools in Madagascar Aiming to be a ‘Stepping Stone’ for the Community

A Startup Is Using Recycled Plastic to 3D Print Tiny $25,000 Prefabricated Homes in LA

The ASCC is calling the house design the BioHome3D, and says it’s rare people who tour the concept version don’t ask when they “can have one up?”

The interior gives the feel of a modern Scandinavian wooden cabin, making it fit well with the Maine aesthetic. The ASCC is now doing work on how to incorporate conduits for wiring and plumbing “exactly where an architect would want them,” says Dagher.

WATCH a time-lapse video of the printer doing the job…

-via Good News Network, August 16, 2024. Video via The University of Maine, March 3, 2023.