Global Scans · Advanced Materials · Weekly Summary

• [New] Sales of self-healing polymer are estimated to record a CAGR of 26.2% during the forecast period between 2024 and 2031. Persistence Market Research
• Virtus Solis and Silicon Valley startup Orbital Composites are preparing to begin robotic assembly of hexagonal photovoltaic tiles - essentially solar panels - in a medium Earth Molniya orbit in 2027. NextBigFuture.com
• Toyota's polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack could reliably convert hydrogen into electricity to power passenger vehicles. Hydrogen Central
• A biodegradable polymer developed by MIT chemical engineers could find use in beauty products and cleansers - and could even help fortify foods with vitamins. MIT Technology Review
• Innovations in hybrid composites, recycling techniques and automated manufacturing processes will continue to enhance the appeal of carbon fiber. American Composites Manufacturers Association
• By product type, the composites segment is expected to expand at a remarkable CAGR rate from 2025 to 2034. Precedence Research
• Thermoplastic composites, like PEEK (polyether aether ketone) and PEKK (polyether ketone ketone), offer high impact resistance, recyclability, and a higher potential for repair and reshaping. MDPI
• Lithium-ion batteries could sustain over 500 charge cycles without significant degradation, whereas Li-Polymer batteries tend to last about 300 cycles under similar conditions. THE BATTERY TIPS
• As nature has survived for billions of years, looking to nature for inspiration - biomimicry, might be the only sustainable solution to the planet's problem. PubMed Central (PMC)
• From self-healing materials to ultra-lightweight composites, the innovations emerging from 2025 will define the next century of space exploration. Apollo11Space
• Clemson University researchers created a new polymer, pTPADTP, that could make AI more energy-efficient and cost-effective by transforming how computers process and store information. Semiconductor Engineering
• The bio-polymer segment for MPE tubes is projected to grow at 14.3% CAGR through 2030, driven by regulations like the European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive. PW Consulting Chemical & Energy Research Center
• A new biocompatible polymer that helps glue and repair tissue without causing damage - initially developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology - might be a better way to heal wounds. New Atlas
• A new strategy for strengthening polymer materials could lead to more durable plastics and cut down on plastic waste. MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Researchers have investigated the use of modified Halpin-Tsai model to predict mechanical performance in polymer nanocomposites reinforced with spherical fillers. MDPI
• The increasing availability of biomimicry burgers in the USA (e.g. the Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger), including at major fast-food chains, represents one promising opportunity for replacement of red meat (in particular, beef) with more sustainable plant-based burgers. PubMed Central (PMC)
• Small-diameter vascular grafts will likely follow the success of 3D Systems' COAPTIUM nerve repair device, leveraging similar bioabsorbable polymer technologies for cardiovascular applications. Quick Market Pitch
• The bioabsorbable polymer conduits demonstrated 100% surgical success rates and restored patient mobility in clinical trials, with commercial rollout scheduled for 2026. Quick Market Pitch
• Most recently, BMW Group announced achieving a major breakthrough with the utilization of natural fiber composites, which will now be used for its series-production models following several years of development and in-depth research. Securities.io

Last updated: 12 October 2025