Inspired by loofahs, a new material makes clean water more accessible by purifying it sustainably, quickly and affordably. The new invention is a hydrogel made from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), a heat-sensitive polymer also known as PNIPAm that switches from absorbing water when it is cooler to expelling water when it is heated. The gel’s shape is similar to that of the household item, featuring an open-pore structure that …
At Melbourne, Australia’s RMIT University, researchers have developed a magnetic powder made from recycled waste that can capture the smallest invisible fragments of microplastic—including pieces that are 1,000 times finer than hair. This in itself sets the material apart from other filters that can only capture larger fragments, but the powder also acts quickly; it’s capable of working within an hour. The powder functions because …
Merging necessity and technology within a slim, compact design, the Peak Series Straw is a personal water filter and straw made from sustainable materials and enhanced by a micro-filter that removes 99.9% of bacteria, parasites and plastics. Making it possible to drink directly from streams and lakes or to fit onto most water bottles, the innovative straw provides on-the-go and emergency hydration with an unlimited …
