Floating power plants

Huge floating solar islands on the ocean that produce enough energy to enable CO2-neutral global freight traffic - what sounds like "science fiction" researchers from ETH Zurich, the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Empa, the Universities of Zurich...
4-Jun-2019 8:05 AM EDT Add to Favorites

How to program materials

Can the properties of composite materials be predicted? Empa scientists have mastered this feat and thus can help achieve research objectives faster. This leads, for instance, to better recycling techniques and electrically conductive synthetic...
21-May-2019 6:05 AM EDT Add to Favorites

Particles from aircraft engines affect airways

In a unique experimental setup, Swiss researchers have investigated the effect of exhaust particles from aircraft turbine engines on human lung cells. The cells reacted most strongly to particles emitted during ground idling. The study also showed...
16-May-2019 8:05 AM EDT Add to Favorites

Comfortably to Simulated Mars

In cooperation with Empa, the Austrian Space Forum (ÖFW) is developing the "Serenity" space suit - a prototype for a Mars suit. The two partners have now signed a cooperation agreement to work even more closely together on the development of the...
7-May-2019 7:05 AM EDT Add to Favorites

Watching Concrete Explode

Even if concrete is not flammable, it can be hazardous in tunnel fires: high-performance concrete can explode at high temperatures. Although the phenomenon is well known, the physics behind it have not yet been fully understood. Empa researchers...
2-May-2019 10:50 AM EDT Add to Favorites

New additive provides fire protection for wood

Together with BRUAG Fire Protection AG, Empa specialists have developed a new flame retardant for wood and wood-based materials. The colourless additive, which can be easily mixed with coatings and cellulose materials, opens up new applications for...
14-Feb-2019 6:05 AM EST Add to Favorites

How Safe Is Graphene?

Graphene is considered one of the most interesting and versatile materials of our time. The application possibilities inspire both research and industry. But are products containing graphene also safe for humans and the environment? A comprehensive...
7-Feb-2019 5:05 AM EST Add to Favorites

Fireproofing made of recycled paper

Scientists at Empa teamed up with isofloc AG to develop an insulating material made of recycled paper. It is ideal for prefabricated wooden elements and even multistory timber houses, and protects the construction against fire. What's more: The...
22-Jan-2019 11:05 AM EST Add to Favorites

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