The high strength-to-weight ratio and robust mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) make them attractive for use in wind-power turbine blades, automobile components, and in airplanes and spacecraft. However, challenges — such as weak interfacial adhesion and poor recyclability — remain. A team of researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has synthesized a new type of CFRP aimed at overcoming these challenges. MORE

Researchers at Lund University have succeeded in converting worn-out cotton sheets into new viscose fibers using a process that — for the first time — enables all of the viscose to be recycled. Current recycling methods often require a high percentage of virgin fiber to make products from recycled textiles. As a result, old textiles are instead typically incinerated. These researchers have developed a process to loosen up and convert the complex cotton fibers into viscose fibers. MORE

Yokogawa Electric Corp. has invested in and signed a memorandum on a business partnership with Tsubame BHB Co., Ltd. Yokogawa is the latest to partner with Tsubame BHB, joining Heraeus Group, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Inpex Corp., Nishinippon Plant Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd. and others. Tsubame BHB is a university-based startup that was founded in 2017 by a group headed by professor emeritus Hideo Hosono of the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Professor Hosono and colleagues first developed an ammonia synthesis method that makes use of electride catalysts. MORE

Much of the planet’s lithium is contained in brine, but the concentration is often quite low, making it difficult to efficiently extract lithium — typical extraction technologies may only demonstrate 30–60% yield. Adionics has developed a proprietary liquid-extraction medium called Flionex to be used in a patented thermal-swing liquid-liquid deionization process to enable extremely high recovery and selectivity for lithium. When raw brine is brought into contact with Flionex, all lithium is extracted, little sodium and little calcium are co-extracted. MORE

A novel technology for cooling and dehumidification is nearing commercialization through several strategic partnerships, including GE Vernova, BASF and Carrier Global. Montana Technologies’ AirJoule technology employs a metal-organic-framework (MOF) desiccant material that exhibits higher water-uptake capacity and faster atmospheric water extraction when compared to traditional desiccant systems, and with significantly reduced energy consumption. MORE

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a way to decouple the production of hydrogen and oxygen in water electrolysis, thereby reducing the explosion potential of mixing the two gases. The method combines the electrocatalytic reactions of an electrolyzer with a capacitive-storage mechanism. One of the electrodes is replaced with a super capacitive electrode made from carbon. When the electrode is negatively charged and producing H2, the super capacitor stores energy-rich OH– ions. When the direction of current is reversed, the super capacitor releases the absorbed OH–, and O2 is produced at the now-positive electrode. MORE

Last month at the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo 2024, Alleima AB (Sandviken, Sweden; www.alleima.com) introduced SAF 3006 (UNS S83071), a high-alloy duplex (austenitic-ferritic) stainless steel tailored to enhance corrosion resistance in acidic and caustic environments. The new alloy is an upgrade to traditional super-duplex stainless steels. This is a super duplex tailored to resist acids. MORE