Synthesis of TiC from porous carbon coating on Si–C–O (Nicalon) fibres by reactive chemical vapour deposition in pressure-pulsed mode or at atmospheric pressure

Impact of pre-ageing on age hardening response of twin-belt cast AlMg1SiCu sheet

Effect of the particle size on the thermal stability of nanostructured aluminum powder: dislocation density and second-phase particles controlling the grain growth

Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous silicon directly from pure silica sodalite single crystal

The influence of films thickness on hydrogenation behavior of titanium thin films

Graphene exhibits bizarre new behavior well suited to electronic devices

Graphene, a sheet of pure carbon, has been touted as a possible replacement for silicon-based semiconductors because of its useful electronic properties. Now, physicists have shown that graphene has another unique and amazing property that could make it even more suitable for future electronic devices. When contorted in a specific way it sprouts nanobubbles in which electrons behave as if they are moving in a strong magnetic field.

Quantum fractals at the border of magnetism

Physicists are reporting new results from experiments on the perplexing class of materials that includes high-temperature superconductors. The team reports the unexpected discovery of a simple fractal form of electronic excitations in ultra-low-temperature quantum magnets at the border of magnetism.

Polymer passage takes time: New theory aids researchers studying DNA, protein transport

Researchers have created a theoretical method to calculate the time it takes long-chain polymers to pass through nano-sized pores in membranes. The researchers studied how membrane pore geometry affects the translocation of long polymers. They say the new method, works for pores of any geometry, whether they're straight, conical or made of joined cylinders of different sizes.

Behind the secrets of silk lie high-tech opportunities

Tougher than a bullet-proof vest yet synonymous with beauty and luxury, silks spun by worms and spiders are a masterpiece of nature whose properties have yet to be fully replicated in the laboratory. But scientists have begun to unravel the secrets of silk. Biomedical engineers report that silk-based materials have been transformed from commodity textile to a growing web of high tech applications.

'Sea urchin'-shaped nanostructures grown in the lab

Researchers have succeeded in growing sea-urchin shaped nanostructures from minute balls of polystyrene beads using a simple electrochemical process. The spines of the sea urchin consist of zinc oxide nanowires. The structured surface should help increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic devices.