Researchers Develop Material to Fix Scratches in Paint, Furniture through Light

Your 6-year-old found a nail in the garage and drew pictures across the side of your new car. Gnash your teeth now, but researchers at Case Western Reserve University, led byKent Hale Smith Professor Stuart J. Rowan, say the fix-up may be cheap and easy to do yourself in the not-too-distant future.
Together with partners in the USA and Switzerland, they have developed a polymer-based material that can heal itself when placed under ultraviolet light for less than a minute. Their findings are published in the April 21 issue of Nature.
The scientists envision that re-healable materials like theirs could be used in automotive paints, varnishes for floors and furniture, and many other applications. Read how the material works.

IAM Makes Available Funds for Research in Biomaterials and Imaging

The Institute for Advanced Materials (IAM@Case) is sponsoring an internal research funding initiative focused on Image Guided Biomaterials Development.    The goal is to initiate a set of “out of the box”, creative, exciting significant new projects in image guided biomaterials development that will result in a combined program project application. Upon successful completion, projects selected for this pilot funding may have the opportunity to participate in the larger endeavor.   Read More.

 

Thomas W. and Nancy P. Seitz

Professorship in Advanced Materials and Energy

 

New Engineering Professorship Propels Great Lakes Energy Institute, Institute for Advanced Materials, and Supports Hiring Initiative

Case Western Reserve University alumnus Thomas W. Seitz and his wife, Nancy, have endowed a new chair at the Case School of Engineering. The Thomas W. and Nancy P. Seitz Professorship in Advanced Materials and Energy is the second endowed chair supporting the efforts of the Great Lakes Energy Institute (GLEI). Read more.

 

Advanced Ideas

Engineering Hiring Plan Foci: Human Health, Energy, Advanced Materials

A prolific researcher in optical materials and nanoscale assembly is the first faculty member appointed under a new strategic hiring initiative at the Case School of Engineering.
Roger French, a longtime scientist at DuPont, chose to leave industry for Case Western Reserve because of the rich opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration he sees on the campus.

“This is an opportunity to accomplish things that are bigger than just what I can accomplish myself,” Read more.

 

Gem of an idea: a flexible diamond-studded electrode implanted for life: Fit to survive harsh environment but cause no harm

Diamonds adorning tiaras to anklets are treasures but these gemstones inside the body may prove priceless.
Two Case Western Reserve University researchers are building implants made of diamond and flexible polymer that are designed to identify chemical and electrical changes in the brain of patients suffering from neural disease, or to stimulate nerves and restore movement in the paralyzed.
The work of Heidi Martin, a professor of chemical engineering, and Christian Zorman, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science, is years from human trials but their early success has drawn interest worldwide. Read more.

 

$2.3 million New Innovator Award Goes to CWRU Biomedical Engineering Professor

An associate professor of biomedical engineering has received a $2.3 million New Innovator Award to further develop and broaden the uses of synthetic platelets and the technology that makes them work.
Erin Lavik uses nanotechnology to build platelets of biodegradable polymers, which link with natural platelets to stem bleeding faster.

Read more.

 

Multitalented Polymer Sops Up Oil Spills

An ultra-lightweight sponge made of clay and a bit of high-grade plastic draws oil out of contaminated water but leaves the water behind.
Read more.

Dodging the Drill

Researchers from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine are testing a resin polymer designed to infiltrate tooth enamel to seal and stop the spread of tooth decay. Read more.

Saving Homes

See how innovative composite fabrics can protect houses from the radiant heat and direct flames of wildfires. Watch the video.

 

Stay up-to-date on the latest news—from the institute’s latest breakthroughs and events to headlines from the world of materials science.