Smart Materials
Smart materials, also known as intelligent materials, are a class of advanced materials that can sense and respond to changes in their environment in a controlled and reversible manner. These materials possess unique properties that allow them to adapt, self-heal, and interact with their surroundings in ways that traditional materials cannot. This research article provides an overview of smart materials, their classification, key characteristics, and diverse applications across various fields.
Smart materials have emerged as a transformative field in materials science, offering unprecedented capabilities and functionalities. Their ability to sense, process, and respond to external stimuli has revolutionized various industries, including aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and civil engineering. This article explores the fundamental concepts of smart materials, their classification, and their potential to shape the future of materials science and technology.
Classification of Smart Materials
Smart materials can be broadly classified based on their response to external stimuli:
- Piezoelectric Materials: These materials generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress and vice versa. They are widely used in sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting devices.
- Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs): SMAs exhibit the ability to “remember” their original shape and can recover it upon application of heat or stress. They are used in biomedical implants, actuators, and adaptive structures.
- Magnetostrictive Materials: These materials change their shape or dimensions in response to a magnetic field. They are employed in sensors, actuators, and vibration dampers.
- Electrochromic Materials: These materials change their optical properties (color, transparency) when an electric current is applied. They are used in smart windows, displays, and optical devices.
- Thermochromic Materials: These materials change color in response to temperature variations. They are used in temperature indicators, mood rings, and camouflage applications.
- Self-Healing Materials: These materials possess the ability to repair damage autonomously, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. They are used in aerospace components, biomedical implants, and protective coatings.
Key Characteristics of Smart Materials
- Sensing: Smart materials can detect changes in their environment, such as temperature, pressure, strain, or magnetic fields.
- Actuation: They can respond to these changes by altering their physical properties, such as shape, size, or electrical conductivity.
- Adaptability: They can adapt to changing conditions, making them suitable for dynamic environments.
- Self-Healing: Some smart materials can repair damage without external intervention, enhancing their durability and reliability.
- Multifunctionality: Many smart materials exhibit multiple properties, allowing them to perform complex tasks.
Applications of Smart Materials
Smart materials have found applications in a wide range of fields:
- Aerospace: Smart structures, adaptive wings, and self-healing coatings.
- Automotive: Active suspension systems, shape-shifting aerodynamics, and self-repairing body panels.
- Biomedical: Artificial organs, drug delivery systems, and implantable sensors.
- Civil Engineering: Smart bridges, self-healing concrete, and earthquake-resistant structures.
- Energy: Energy harvesting devices, solar cells, and fuel cells.
- Electronics: Sensors, actuators, and displays.
Future Directions
Research in smart materials is continuously evolving, with new materials and applications being discovered. Future directions include:
- Multifunctional materials: Developing materials that exhibit multiple functionalities, such as sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting.
- Bio-inspired materials: Mimicking the properties of biological materials, such as bone and muscle, to create novel smart materials.
- 4D printing: Using 4D printing techniques to fabricate complex, self-assembling smart structures.
- Integration with artificial intelligence: Combining smart materials with AI to create autonomous systems that can adapt and respond to their environment in real-time.
Smart materials represent a paradigm shift in materials science, offering unprecedented capabilities and functionalities. Their ability to sense, respond, and adapt to their environment has the potential to revolutionize various industries and improve our quality of life. As research in this field continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and transformative applications of smart materials in the years to come.
Useful Resources
- Fundamentals of Smart Materials
- Shape-Memory Polymers—A Class of Novel Smart Materials
- Graphene-based smart materials
- Introduction to carbon nanotube and nanofiber smart materials
- Smart Geometries for Smart Materials: Taming Thermobimetals to Behave
- Hydrothermal technology for smart materials
- Peptides as novel smart materials
- Smart materials in additive manufacturing: state of the art and trends
- Smart Materials and Smart Systems for the Future
- Smart Materials and Technologies for the architecture and design professions

Unlocking Opportunities: A Peek into the Future of the Smart Materials Market
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Creality Falcon A1: A $549 smart laser cutter that intelligently detects material type before precision cutting
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EP09: The future of architecture is shaped by the fusion of practicality, heritage, and innovative smart materials.
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Unlocking the Potential of Smart Materials at Hannover Messe: Sustainable Solutions for a Brighter Future
A novel type of air conditioning technology, using the elastocaloric effect, is being developed in Saarland, Germany, by a research team led by Professors Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki. This technology can cool and heat more sustainably and economically than current...
Here is a rewritten version of the line without additional responses: Exploring Untapped Opportunities in the Smart Materials Market for Future Business Growth
The Smart Materials Market Report 2025 is a comprehensive analysis of the market, providing insights into the market size, trends, drivers, and challenges. The report is based on extensive research and analysis, including primary and secondary research, and is a valuable resource for industry players, helping them make informed decisions to stay ahead of the competition. The report includes a comprehensive table of contents, figures, tables, and charts, as well as insightful analysis. The report highlights key players, their strategies, and emerging opportunities for growth. The report also includes consumer behavior and preferences that affect market dynamics. The forecast period for the market is 2025-2032, based on which the report provides quantitative data, growth trends, and forecasts. The report is available for purchase, with an impressive discount of up to 25% off.
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IBM Makes Headlines with Groundbreaking 4D Printing Patent: AI-Powered Material Transports Microparticles with Precision
IBM has been granted a patent for its 4D-printed smart material technology for transporting microparticles. The material can be shaped-memory alloys or polymers that respond to external stimuli such as temperature, light, or electrical currents. Once deformed, the material returns to its original shape, allowing the researchers to induce movement and transport minute-sized particles that are difficult or impossible to transport using traditional methods. The technology uses machine learning algorithms to apply the proper stimulus to move the material, such as heat or light, to generate an action that results in an equal and opposite reaction. The system can monitor for deviations or blockages and resolve them, making it possible to deliver microparticles between 1-100 microns in diameter through various media. This technology has potential applications in medicine, such as delivering drugs to specific cells, and manufacturing, including miniature electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
Purify the Air with Green Polymers
A team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has created a revolutionary self-healing, recyclable polymer. This smart material can transform between soft and flexible to stiff and rigid depending on its processing. Its unique feature is its ability to detect and repair damage in real-time. When damaged, it glows under light, making it easy to spot. The polymer can self-heal when exposed to heat or light, reducing waste and extending its lifespan. Even when it reaches the end of its use, it can break down into its original components, enabling easy recycling, including with regular plastics. This innovative material has potential applications in various industries, such as medical devices, electronics, and construction, and could significantly reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Simulating the Impact of Moisture and Shape-Memory Alloys on Energy Storage Devices This rewritten title still conveys the same information as the original, but in a way that is more concise and accessible to a wider audience. It also uses more general language that is more applicable to a broader range of readers, and de-emphasizes the technical jargon (e.g. Elastocaloric Devices) in favor of more straightforward language (e.g. Energy Storage Devices).
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The article describes a simulation-based approach to modeling the effects of moist air and condensation on elastocaloric systems, which use shape memory alloys to achieve efficient and eco-friendly thermal management. The authors examine the key factors affecting SMA performance, including mechanical behavior and latent heat characteristics, under various conditions. They develop a comprehensive model that couples the thermomechanical behavior of SMAs with the thermodynamics of moist air, incorporating condensation heat transfer, mass balance, and moisture transport. The model quantifies the impact of condensation on device performance and assesses how ambient moisture conditions affect overall heat exchange. The findings enhance our understanding of elastocaloric system performance under real-world conditions, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and modern technologies. The article concludes that the developed model can be used to improve the design and operation of elastocaloric systems, which have the potential to replace traditional air conditioning technologies. The authors claim that their work is an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
Researchers created self-transforming materials that mimic the adaptive properties of living cells, enabling robots to reconfigure their shape and form at will.
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking concept for robotic materials that can change their properties and shape like living tissues. These materials, made up of small robots with gears, can assemble into various formations and alter their mechanical properties. The inspiration comes from embryonic development, where cells can transition between solid and fluid-like states to shape themselves. The researchers applied these principles to their robotic system, using light sensors and controllable magnets to mimic cellular motion and adhesion. The robotic material can be controlled to change its shape, becoming either rigid or fluid-like on demand. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing, construction, and even medicine. The robots use dynamic forces to change shape, similar to biological tissues, which requires less energy and could be applicable to robots with limited power sources. The system could be scaled up to thousands of miniaturized units, and the study could provide new insights into physics and biology. The potential applications are vast, from self-healing bridges to clothing that adjusts its fit in real-time.
Statistical Analysis Reveals Prolific Growth Opportunities in the Emerging Field of Smart Materials
The Smart Materials Market 2025 Forecast to 2032 report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market, including its current state, growth prospects, and future trends. The report is based on an in-depth analysis of the market, including market size, growth drivers, and restraints. It also examines the market’s competitive landscape, including the strategies of key players, product offerings, and regional presence.
The report provides predictions for the global Smart Materials market, which is expected to reach USD 135.15 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.12% from 2024 to 2031. The market is segmented into product type (piezoelectric materials, shape memory materials, electrostrictive materials, magnetostrictive materials, phase change materials, electrochromic materials, and others), application (actuators and motors, transducers, sensors, structural materials, and others), and end-user (aerospace and defense, automotive, construction, energy, healthcare, industrial, and others).
The report also provides a regional analysis, covering North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. The report is a valuable resource for businesses, governments, and investors seeking to understand the Smart Materials market and capitalize on its growth potential.
Design an autonomous swarm intelligence network where individual robots can adapt and respond to their environment like a sentient material that can adjust its properties to optimize performance in real-time.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and TU Dresden have developed a new type of “material-like” robot collective that can change shape and form in response to internal signals. The robots, shaped like small hockey pucks, can assemble themselves into different forms with varying properties, such as being both stiff and strong, or soft and flowable. The research was inspired by the way embryonic tissues can change shape and heal themselves. The robots can shift between fluid and solid states, similar to rigidity transitions in physics, allowing them to adapt to new forms. The lead author, Matthew Devlin, says the goal is to create robots that can behave like a material, rather than being controlled by external forces. The implications of this technology could be significant, enabling the creation of smart materials that can adapt to different situations, such as in medical devices or construction.
Reviving the Art of Quality Mattress Making
A Maltese startup, Smart Materials, is revolutionizing the world of advanced materials with its innovative auxetic foam. Unlike traditional foams, auxetic foams expand when stretched, making them highly impact-resistant, better at distributing pressure, and more durable. Smart Materials has developed a patented process to manufacture auxetic foam at scale, eliminating the need for complex and expensive post-processing techniques. The company is introducing its technology in the mattress industry, where it aims to address sustainability and performance challenges. Its proprietary auxetic foam, branded as Zetic, eliminates the need for multi-layer construction, making mattresses easier to recycle and providing superior comfort, pressure distribution, and breathability. The company has already secured patents in several countries and has received industry recognition, including awards from the Malta Intellectual Property Awards and the Hello Tomorrow Deep Tech Pioneer programme. With its patented technology and growing international recognition, Smart Materials is positioning itself as a leader in advanced materials innovation, with plans to expand globally and enter other industries.
Crystallizing matter at near absolute zero, a crucial step towards engineering intelligent materials.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling the transport of particles near absolute zero temperature, a crucial step towards designing smart materials. At absolute zero, particles are expected to freeze, but scientists have now found a way to manipulate them, making it possible to study and control their behavior. This achievement is significant for the development of smart materials, which can be used in various applications such as sensors, actuators, and nanotechnology.
The study reveals that by using a combination of magnetic fields and ultracold atoms, researchers can control the movement of particles near absolute zero. This allows for the creation of novel materials with unique properties, such as superconductivity, quantum computing, and advanced sensing capabilities.
The research has far-reaching implications for various fields, including materials science, physics, and engineering. It paves the way for the development of new materials with improved properties, which can be used in a wide range of applications, from healthcare to energy storage. The findings have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of matter and its behavior, leading to the creation of more sophisticated and innovative technologies.
India Spearheads the Way in Developing Intelligent Materials and Energy Storage Solutions Let me know if you’d like me to make any changes or suggest more options!
Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the transport properties of ultra-cold atoms in a quantum system. The study focused on the behavior of potassium atoms exposed to light pulses, which could lead to the development of smart, high-conductivity materials and enhance the design of next-generation batteries. At extremely low temperatures, atoms exhibit unique properties, such as quantum tunneling and quantized conductance, which play a crucial role in technologies like flash memory and nanoscale electronic devices. The RRI team, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, studied the quantum transport properties of neutral potassium atoms at ultra-low temperatures using 3D trapping beams. The results showed that the atoms, initially expected to behave like a pendulum, exhibited unexpected changes, shifting from overdamped to underdamped oscillations due to interactions between the atoms and photons. These findings could lead to the design of smart materials with tailored properties, offering high conductivity and customizability, and may revolutionize energy storage solutions and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies.
Imagine furniture that springs to life, literally: what if sofas could self-assemble when activated by heat, revolutionizing the world of manufacturing with 4D printing?
The article discusses the emerging field of 4D printing, which involves creating objects that can change shape and form in response to environmental changes, such as temperature and moisture. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including healthcare, aerospace, robotics, and construction. In healthcare, 4D printing can lead to the creation of adaptive implants and prosthetics, such as self-expanding stents, that can adjust to a patient’s unique anatomy. In robotics, 4D-printed materials can be used to create self-folding devices that can adapt to different environments. In space exploration, 4D-printed materials can be used to create adaptive structures that can withstand extreme conditions. While the field still faces challenges, such as ensuring biocompatibility and scalability, it has the potential to transform industries and improve people’s lives. The article highlights several examples of 4D-printed objects, including self-assembling furniture, shape-adaptive finger splints, and boat fenders that can be restored with heat. Overall, 4D printing has the potential to redefine the possibilities of tomorrow.
From Toxic Byproduct to Valued Material: Unleashing the Potential of Sulfur-Infused Polymers
Researchers from Xi’an Jiaotong University have developed a new, one-pot method for synthesizing dynamic sulfur-rich polymers at room temperature, which is a more efficient and environmentally friendly approach compared to traditional methods. The new method involves reacting elemental sulfur with low-cost epoxide monomers at ambient temperature, avoiding high-temperature processing and unpleasant byproducts. The resulting polymers exhibit dynamic behaviors such as self-healing, reprocessability, and degradability, making them suitable for various smart material applications. The polymers can be used to create self-healing coatings, sustainable plastics, and degradable materials for medical devices or temporary structures. The potential for transesterification reactions also allows for tailoring material properties to specific needs. This research addresses the issue of waste sulfur disposal and opens new avenues for the design of smart materials with advanced dynamic properties. The implications of this discovery are vast, promising a cleaner and more efficient future for polymer technology and contributing to a circular economy.
Revolutionary 3D Printing Technology Unlocks the Full Potential of Liquid Crystal Elastomers for Adaptive Materials
Researchers from Harvard, Princeton, and Brookhaven National Lab have developed a new method to control the properties of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) during 3D printing. LCEs are shape-morphing materials that change shape in response to heat, similar to muscle contractions and relaxations. The team’s breakthrough allows them to print LCEs with predictable and controllable alignment of molecules, enabling the creation of materials with tailored properties. This is achieved by using an X-ray characterization method to visualize molecular alignment during the printing process.
The researchers identified that the shape of the 3D printer nozzle and flow conditions affect the alignment of liquid crystalline chains, which ultimately determines the material’s properties. By tuning nozzle design, printing speed, and temperature, the team can induce specific molecular alignment, leading to prescribed shape-morphing and mechanical behavior at the macroscale. The work opens up new avenues for creating LCE structures with programmed shape morphing and mechanics, such as adaptive structures and artificial muscles. The development of this playbook for printing LCEs paves the way for a range of applications in soft robotics, prosthetics, and compression textiles.
Unleashing the Potential of Static Electricity: How Breakthroughs in Dielectric Barrier Technology Are Revolutionizing Energy and Beyond
Advanced Dielectric Barrier Engineering (ADBE) is a rapidly evolving field that is transitioning from academic research to industrial application. ADBE involves manipulating dielectric barriers to support electron flow, with potential to revolutionize energy systems, material development, and environmental technology. The technology has significant advantages, including increased efficiency in energy systems, enhanced air quality management, and development of advanced smart materials and sensors. The global market for ADBE is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% from 2023 to 2033, reaching $5 billion. Key applications of ADBE include renewable energy systems, environmental controls, and smart materials development. However, the technology faces challenges such as high research costs, scalability limitations, and regulatory hurdles. As ADBE continues to evolve, it is expected to shape the future of industries, driving efficiency and sustainability. The field has vast potential for creating next-generation technologies and improving our environment.
Here is a rewritten version of the line without additional responses: Future Outlook for Smart Materials: Trends and Expansion Prospects
The report by InsightAce Analytic predicts that the global intelligent materials market will grow from $7.96 billion in 2023 to $31.06 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 18.8% from 2024 to 2031. Intelligent materials are high-tech substances that can react to stimuli such as light, temperature, pressure, and electric and magnetic fields. The market is driven by the increasing demand for materials with improved functionality and adaptability, technological advancements, and government support. The report identifies several key players in the market, including Intelligent Material Solutions, SMP Technologies, Harris Corporation, and Smarter Alloys.
The report identifies several challenges in the market, including high production costs, complicated manufacturing procedures, and limited awareness and understanding of the benefits of intelligent materials. However, the report also notes that the market is expected to benefit from the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, as well as the increasing need for infrastructure development and construction.
The report also provides regional trends, with North America and Europe expected to be major markets, and identifies key players and their strategies. Overall, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the global intelligent materials market, including its dynamics, trends, and opportunities.
Next-Gen Materials: Unlocking the Revolution in Shape Memory Polymers
The global shape memory polymer (SMP) market is growing rapidly, with a market value of $689 million in 2024 and projected to reach $5,509 million by 2034, with a CAGR of 23.1%. SMPs are advanced materials that can change shape in response to external stimuli, such as heat, light, or magnetic fields. They are being used in various industries, including healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and electronics, due to their lightweight, flexibility, and durability. The demand for smart materials with adaptive properties is driving the expansion of the SMP market. Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a crucial role in the market, enhancing material design, performance optimization, and predictive analytics. Regulatory frameworks, such as environmental and safety regulations, will also impact the market. The market holds immense potential, with opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, automotive, and aerospace. The future outlook is promising, driven by technological advancements, increasing research and development, and growing demand.
Explore the Evolution of Brilliant Innovation at PV Paris
The Smart Creation universe at Première Vision Paris since 2015 has promoted responsible approaches in the fashion industry by showcasing innovative, eco-design, and technological solutions. The area is divided into three zones: Smart Tech, Smart Services, and Smart Materials. Smart Materials features companies that offer sustainable fibers, eco-designed materials, and reduced-impact dyeing processes. Smart Tech showcases companies with cutting-edge technological solutions for material digitization, traceability, and environmental impact measurement. Smart Services offers services to support the supply chain, including certifications and responsible initiatives.
The area dedicated to circularity, within Smart Materials, features companies that specialize in sustainable sourcing, revaluation of deadstocks, and giving new life to materials. The PV deadstocks area will also be available, offering a selection of deadstock materials. The Smart Creation area is designed to support the fashion industry’s eco-responsible transformation. Do not miss the Fashion Tech Day, which will feature a keynote, guided tour, and 13 pitches from fashion tech experts. The event is scheduled to take place from February 11-13, 2022, at the Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte.
Javad Rajabzade presents innovative, life-like fabrics made with advanced smart materials.
Javad Rajabzade, a 3D artist, demonstrated the process of texturing a leather bag using his new smart materials in Substance 3D Painter. The result is a highly realistic bag surface with complex textures and lifelike wear and tear. The artist created a set of 32 smart materials, including leather suede, worn old leather, damaged leather, and materials with various colors. These materials are highly detailed and customizable, allowing for a wide range of possibilities. The texture of the bag is incredibly realistic, with intricate details and imperfections that give it a genuine look. The use of smart materials in 3D modeling and texturing can greatly enhance the realism and authenticity of digital objects, making them more convincing and engaging.
Industry giants are driving innovation in smart materials, blazing a trail for the future.
Smart materials are already transforming industries and saving money, often without people realizing it. These materials have special characteristics, such as extreme heat and corrosion resistance, and can be coatings, gels, or nanomaterials. They are contributing to sustainability efforts and making innovative products. The market for smart materials is valued at $79.95 billion and projected to reach $212.8 billion by 2031. Major companies are investing in smart materials projects and R&D, expanding production facilities, and acquiring other companies to boost innovation. Examples include Evonik, Solvay, and Kyocera AVX, which are building new facilities to produce materials for electric vehicles, solar panels, and aerospace applications. Chemical companies like Dow and 3M are also expanding their smart materials portfolios. Mergers and acquisitions can also accelerate innovation, as seen with DuPont’s acquisition of Laird Performance Materials. While the impact of smart materials may not always be immediately apparent, they can have a significant impact on the environment and consumers.
Adaptive Omni-Sensor Arrays Respond to Galactic Signals
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) have developed a shape-shifting antenna that can dynamically adapt to different communications requirements. The antenna features a double spiral made of shape-memory alloy, which changes shape when heated or cooled, allowing it to operate effectively at frequencies ranging from 4-11 gigahertz. The idea was inspired by science fiction novels and was made possible by cutting-edge 3D printing techniques. The antenna’s shape determines its characteristics, such as frequency range, beam width, and polarization, making it a promising solution for reconfigurable antennas. The team was able to print a complex double spiral configuration and incorporate a copper wire to heat the antenna and switch between different shapes. The antenna can transition between a flat spiral and a cone shape in seconds, achieving a solid signal strength of approximately 5 decibels. The technology has promising applications in 6G wireless communication, where devices may need to operate over multiple frequency bands. The approach avoids the need for additional electronic components, but may have slower response times compared to metasurfaces.
Dr. Panče Naumov, a Research Scientist at New York University Abu Dhabi’s Center for Smart Engineering Materials, brings a wealth of expertise to his role…
The Center for Smart Engineering Materials at New York University Abu Dhabi is seeking a fully funded Research Scientist with expertise in chemistry, materials science, and mechanical engineering to work under the supervision of Dr. Panče Naumov. The successful candidate will design, prepare, and characterize new materials and devices. The lab has access to state-of-the-art facilities for X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, microscopy, thermal and mechanical materials characterization, and organic synthesis.
The ideal candidate will have a PhD or equivalent degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering, and experience in organic synthetic chemistry, device fabrication, or microscopy. The position offers competitive terms, including housing and educational subsidies for children. To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, transcript, research summary, and at least two letters of reference in PDF format. The position is open until filled, and applications will be accepted immediately. NYU Abu Dhabi is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion.
Program drives eco-friendly growth by accelerating investment in biological industries
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has launched a new initiative called the Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) to accelerate the development of biosolutions and strengthen the bio-based economy. The Novo Nordisk Foundation is supporting the initiative with a grant of up to DKK 1.05 billion (approximately €134.1 million) over seven years. BRIGHT aims to create knowledge and solutions that can be transformed into efficient bioproduction, making a significant contribution to the green transition. The initiative will focus on three main areas: sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture. Researchers at DTU will collaborate with international partners to develop and scale innovative biosolutions. A unique feature of BRIGHT is the introduction of a mission enabler to promote promising projects and test their scalability. The initiative will start in 2025 and will further strengthen DTU’s position in biotechnology research and innovation.
LG Chem Partners with Gevo to Commercialize Bioplastics Production via Ethanol-to-Olefins Technology
Gevo, a biofuels developer, and LG Chem, a global chemicals firm, have extended their partnership to develop technology that converts ethanol to olefins, which can be used to produce bioplastics and reduce carbon emissions. The partnership will accelerate the commercialization of polymer and bioplastic products from this process. Olefins are compounds used in the production of plastics, films, fibers, and containers, but traditional production methods are carbon-intensive. Gevo’s ethanol-to-olefin (ETO) technology aims to decarbonize this process by using renewable ethanol to produce olefins, which can then be used to create sustainable products like bio-propylene. Bio-propylene is a crucial component in the growth of the bioplastic market and circular economy, allowing for the replacement of fossil-based products with bio-based materials. Gevo’s ETO technology has received a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office, which protects the process of converting ethanol into olefins with improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
Ecovyst to Undertake Strategic Review of Silica and Catalyst Operations
Ecovyst Inc. has launched a strategic review of its “Advanced Materials and Catalysts” (AM&C) business to increase shareholder value. The AM&C unit consists of two businesses: Advanced Silicas and Zeolyst, a joint venture with Shell. The review aims to enhance the unit’s performance and may or may not result in a transaction or outcome. Ecovyst’s silica-based materials and catalysts are used to produce polyolefins, biocatalysts, and functional chemicals. The company developed a silica-based catalyst to produce bio-based butadiene for green rubber production in partnership with a value-chain partner company in 2022. The review is expected to be completed by mid-2025.