Nano news

A Carnegie Mellon University chemist has developed a new method of producing tiny polymer "nanowires" that should reduce the cost of the electrically conductive plastics.

Richard McCullough, dean of the Mellon College of Science, first made the electrically conductive polymers, called regioregular polythiophenes, more than a decade ago, and later started a company, Plextronics Inc., to produce the materials.

Last week, at the American Chemical Society meeting in Anaheim, Calif., McCullough reported that he had found a way to "cap" the tiny polymer wires, which allows them to form highly conductive nano_wire sheets, as well as allow them to adhere directly to metal, silicone or other materials.

The nanowires could find application in devices such as radiofrequency identification, or RFID, tags, which increasingly are being used to identify retail and wholesale goods. The tags now cost 30 cents or more each, but McCullough said his new method might help reduce the cost to near the industry target of a penny apiece.

Checking on the laundry

While chemists at Carnegie Mellon ponder how to improve conducting polymers, some students simply worry about finding an available washing machine in their dormitory.

A new Web-based laundry system, called eSuds, may soon make that a little easier. Now being installed in three residence halls, the system allows students to use the Internet to see whether any of their dorm's washers are available and, if not, how much time is remaining on each machine's load.

The system was developed by USA Technologies and is being installed as part of an overhaul of the CMU laundry services by Caldwell & Gregory Inc. If the first three installations are successful, the system will be expanded campuswide by fall.