This massively increases their surface area and hence the charge they can hold, but without impairing the physical strength of the material.

ECONOMIST: Carbon-composite batteries

This creates a material that combines the strength of glass with the toughness of metal, resulting in a very strong material.

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The researchers report in Biomacromolecules that their new material matches the stiffness, strength and compressibility of expanded polystyrene, a common packaging material that is the bane of many a rubbish dump.

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The strength of the high-tech material allows airlines to raise cabin air pressure and increase humidity, which should make passengers more comfortable on long flights.

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Mr Mahdavi says his technique could control the size and positioning of the bubbles in such foam, and so determine the material's strength and rigidity.

ECONOMIST: MONITOR

And the strength, lightness, high melting point and ability to resist corrosion of titanium make it an ideal material for building aircraft parts, supercars and medical implants but it can cost 50 times as much as steel.

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Optim insulation is a hybrid material that combines the biostability and flexibility of high-performance silicone rubber with the strength, tear resistance and abrasion resistance of polyurethane, to provide increased durability and flexibility.

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