The potential for self-healing materials is huge but progress is slow. This premium article outlines the roadmap to 2042.

Scientists have developed paper-thin biodegradable zinc batteries that could one day become an environmentally sustainable option for powering flexible and wearable electronic systems. The zinc batteries are made up of electrodes screen-printed on to both sides of a piece of cellulose paper that has been reinforced with hydrogel.

By 2050, the European Union aims to be climate neutral. In pursuit of this goal, the first half of 2020 saw renewables — including solar, hydro, wind and bioenergy — produce more electricity than fossil fuels in the EU.

Self-healing materials are a new megatrend. The need is massive, from saving trillions of dollars lost yearly by collapsing buildings and bridges to bionic man and woman living better and longer. In saving the planet and preserving resources, long life from self-healing beats recycling any day.

Advances in intuitive microwriting devices that can print microstructures could pattern electric circuits and more. The setup, featuring a robot arm to hold the micropen, deposits ink onto the surface, much like writing by hand with a fountain pen.

Researchers have created what could be the first battery that is both flexible and washable. It works even when twisted or stretched to twice its normal length, or after being tossed in the laundry.

Smart buildings aim to bring digital technologies into the fabric of the building, rather than just to objects within it. They will utilize a wide range of emerging technologies, such as semi-transparent photovoltaics on windows, moisture sensors for leak detection, and printed heaters with wall panels.

A two-dimensional nanomaterial-based flexible memory device is a critical element in the next-generation wearable market because it plays a crucial role in data storage, processing, and communication.

A cynic would say that, because soft materials tend to creep back after damage, we already have a trillion-dollar market for self-healing materials but that is simply renaming existing things. In contrast, we have a new opportunity for value-added self-healing materials that are better than that and a huge unfulfilled need.

Researchers have developed a test to reveal bacterial contamination in dairy products well before they have a chance to reach anyone's lips. Researchers have proven a method that will allow producers, packagers and retailers to detect bacterial contamination in milk products simply by reading a signal from a test printed inside every container.

IDTechEx attended Formnext, Europe's biggest 3D printing trade show and one of the biggest 3D printing conferences in the world, on November 16th-19th, 2021. This premium article covers many of the products launched at Formnext with a focus on printers, materials, and post-processing equipment.

Wednesday 8 December 2021 - How has COVID-19 affected the 3D printing industry? Is the industry already on the path to recovery, or is the pandemic a major setback to AM's progress? What do the IPOs, mergers, acquisitions, and SPAC-offerings mean for the future of 3D printing? and more.

Within this year of recovery, IDTechEx has noted the development and/or continuation of micro-trends within each major 3D printing subspecialty: polymer, ceramic, composite, and metal additive manufacturing. In this article, IDTechEx identifies and explains the micro-trends for each material specialty that are worth keeping an eye on going into 2022.

Interactivity of NFC enhances the pallet of applications. prelonic boosted the capabilities by introducing a new quality of interactivity by using printed electronics.

Despite a 5% drop in the global RFID market in 2020 compared to 2019, due to the impact of COVID-19, the market has recovered well in 2021. According to the newly released RFID market research report from IDTechEx, "RFID Forecasts, Players, and Opportunities 2022-2032", the global RFID market is estimated to be valued at $11.6 billion in 2021, rising to $12.2 billion in 2022. This market comprises RFID labels, cards, fobs, and any other form factors, as well as tags, readers, and software/services for both passive and active RFID.

Manufacturers rely on rare earth elements, like neodymium, to create strong magnets used in motors for electronics including hybrid cars, aircraft generators, loudspeakers, hard drives and in-ear headphones. But mineral deposits containing neodymium are hard to reach and are found in just a few places on Earth.

Thursday 9 December 2021 - Assessment of the key mergers and acquisitions; Important funding rounds across; Notable partnerships; Establishment and expansion of production facilities; Role in key application areas including electronic devices, energy storage and 3D printing; Progression in various fields of green technology

Researchers are reporting a potential breakthrough that could help speed commercialization of highly promising perovskite solar cells for use in solar panels.

Wearable sensor can detect multiple chronic wound biomarkers to facilitate timely and personalised wound management.

A consortium has launched a study on new, floating flexible solar energy systems. The system, consisting of flexible floating units with flexible solar panels mounted on them, has been installed over recent days close to Rotterdam. The pilot, which will run until summer 2022, is the first step in the creation of economically viable offshore photovoltaic systems.