Category: Materials Types

Materials types encompass metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and advanced functional substances; understanding their properties, processing, and applications enables optimized design, manufacturing, performance, and sustainability across industries from prototypes to mass-production.

Can Biomimetics Transform Composite Materials for Sustainable Design?

Researchers and designers are increasingly turning to nature’s 3.8-billion-year experiment as a source of practical solutions for material challenges. Biomimetics — the practice of studying biological systems to inform human design — is influencing how composite materials are conceived, manufactured, and applied across industries. This shift is notable not just for performance improvements but for
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Are Carbon Fiber Composites Changing How Industries Design and Build?

Carbon fiber composites are shaping design choices across multiple sectors by combining lightweight reinforcement with different matrix materials. Engineers are tailoring combinations to meet structural, environmental and manufacturing needs — and the choices are revealing new trade-offs for performance and longevity. Carbon fiber composites are increasingly featured in coverage of innovation across aerospace, medical devices,
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Natural Fibres Gain Interest in Manufacturing as Sustainable Options Expand

Natural fibres are drawing growing attention across manufacturing and design sectors as companies and designers look for materials that reduce environmental impact while offering useful functional properties. Derived from plant, animal and mineral sources, these fibres are being incorporated into a range of components and products—from interior panels and insulation to consumer goods—because they combine
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