If you are in the UK on June 15, celebrate glass making, ‘glassperts’ at GlassFest

Edited By Peter Wray • May 25, 2013 • No Comments

Credit: I. Kirton/United Bottlemakers of Yorkshire

Mark your calendars—this sounds like fun!

From Ian Kirton via LinkedIn:

Bringing together the largest group of bottle makers the world has ever seen. Bottle makers have been invited from the seven glass container plants in Yorkshire to bring their families out and have a fun day. Yes there will be fair ground rides and bouncy castles all the fun of an English country fair and, yes, there will be a bar selling good English ale and, yes, the Army and Navy will be recruiting as I said all you would expect to see at a country fair, but this country fair is a bottle makers fun day so how could the United Bottle Makers of Yorkshire miss out on the chance to capture that knowledge and history. We will be creating a potted history of the glass industry; we are inviting glass workers new old and retired to leave us with a story or two of their experiences in the glass industry. These people are the real Glassperts. We are expecting stories going back 50 years; we will try and capture this living history before the Glassperts take it to the grave. If there is there any companies out there who wish to support GlassFest and Glassperts please feel free to contact me.

The festival has its own Facebook page, too.

We need something like this in the US, both for glass making and ceramic making.


Categories: Business, Career, Glass business, International
Tags: , ,

Ceramics at the heart of advances in hydrogen production

Edited By Jim Destefani • May 25, 2013 • No Comments

Berkeley researchers’ nanowire “artificial forest” for photosynthetic hydrogen production consists of silicon “trunks” and titanium oxide “leaves.” Credit: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Hydrogen is considered by many to be the Holy Grail of clean energy, but a major hurdle to moving toward the hydrogen economy is producing enough of the gas to make a significant impact on the world’s energy needs. Scientists have taken up that challenge by exploring hydrogen production via photovoltaic electrolysis, from biomass, and, most intriguing, using photosynthetic electrolysis.

CTT has already reported on use of ceramic (mixed-metal oxide) catalysts for more efficient hydrogen production using PV electrolysis. Now, ceramic materials are at the center of advances toward more efficient production of hydrogen from biomass and by photosynthetic electrolysis.

Biomass-derived hydrogen is produced by reformation of organic sources such as methanol. The resulting hydrogen-rich gas mixture can be used in fuel cells, but a byproduct of the approach is carbon monoxide, which is not only toxic but also quickly damages fuel cell catalyst materials.

At Duke University, engineers working on a new method to produce clean hydrogen from biomass hit on a new catalytic approach that combines nanoparticle gold with iron oxide to reduce production of carbon monoxide to near zero. The improved catalyst resulted in hydrogen production with less than 20 ppm CO at 80°C, a lower temperature than previous methods.

The researchers ran the reaction for more than 200 hours and found no reduction in effectiveness for the gold/iron oxide catalyst. They are currently working to understand the reasons for the material’s catalytic efficiency. Full results of the research are reported the  Journal of Catalysis (subscription required).

Like PV electrolysis, photosynthetic electrolysis generates molecular hydrogen by breaking down water into its constituent components. The advantage: the photosynthetic process skips the electrical power input needed to provide the energy for PV electrolysis. Instead, it directly uses the power of the sun in a process analogous to the one green plants use to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.

“Artificial leaf” is the popular term for such a system but, according to scientists at the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, an “artificial forest” may be the key to success.

Schematic shows TiO2 nanowires (blue) grown on silicon nanowires. Insets: photoexcited electron-hole pairs generate hydrogen with the help of co-catalysts (yellow and gray dots).

Schematic shows TiO2 nanowires (blue) grown on silicon nanowires. Insets: photoexcited electron-hole pairs generate hydrogen with the help of cocatalysts (yellow and gray dots). Credit: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The LBNL team developed what they say is the first fully integrated nanosystem for artificial photosynthesis, which consists of two semiconductor light absorbers, an interfacial layer for charge transport, and spatially separated cocatalysts. The team synthesized tree like nanowire structures consisting of silicon “trunks” and titanium oxide “branches.” The silicon serves as a hydrogen-generating photocathode while the titanium oxide acts as an oxygen-generating photoanode. The two materials absorb different regions of the solar spectrum, and the system’s tree like architecture is said to maximize performance by suppressing sunlight reflection and providing more surface area for fuel-producing reactions.

Under simulated sunlight, the system achieved solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency of 0.12 percent—comparable to some natural photosynthetic efficiencies, but too low for commercial use. However, the scientists say, the system’s modular design allows easy integration of new individual components that can improve performance.

More information on the research is available here.

The paper is “Novel nano-scale Au/alpha-Fe2O3 catalyst for the preferential oxidation of CO in biofuel reformate gas,” Titilayo Shodiya, et. al, Journal of Catalysis (DOI 10.1016/j.cat.2012.12.027)


Categories: Basic science, Energy & environment, Materials & Innovations, Nanomaterials
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Ceramics and glass business news of the week

Edited By Peter Wray • May 23, 2013 • No Comments

Somany Q4 net up nearly 20 percent

Somany Ceramics Ltd. says improved sales resulted in net profit of Rs 10.14 crore ($1.88 million) for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, a year-on-year increase of 19.85 percent. The tile manufacturer’s net sales also rose to Rs 333.71 crore ($61.8 million) for the quarter, compared with Rs 275.86 crore ($51.1) in the year ago period. Net sales for the year rose to Rs 1,046.24 crore ($193.8 million) versus Rs 870.36 crore ($161.2 million) for the last fiscal year. Somany recently acquired a 26 percent stake in two tile producers that increased its annual production capacity of vitrified tiles from 5.3 million to 9.1 million square meters.

Ceram to hold ‘Re-Engineering Materials’ free breakfast forum June 14

The UK-based company Ceram will be holding a free breakfast forum “Re-Engineering Materials—Reduce Waste, Ensure Future Raw Materials Supply and Save Money,” on Friday, June 14 at its headquarters in Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent. The forum will focus on how raw material shortages and ensuing market price increases are accelerating the need to re-engineer both “waste” and scarce materials in order to meet future industry demands. Andrew Bloodworth, science director for minerals and waste at British Geological Survey, a world-leading geoscience center, will give an independent view on future raw material supply issues. The forum will run from 8:00-11:15 am and include a buffet breakfast, presentations, Q&A session, breakout session with discussion, and networking opportunities.

Shear mode piezo half-rings from American Piezo

APC International is pleased to offer custom shear mode piezo half-rings. Shear mode piezo half-rings are poled around the circumference of the ring. Epoxy silver electrodes are then applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the ring or to the outer and inner diameters of the ring. Alternative electrode materials will be considered upon customer request. Shear mode half-rings can be manufactured from APC 850, APC 855, APC 840, APC 841, and APC 880 materials. If desired, APC’s skilled in-house assembly team can bond two shear mode half-rings using a conductive epoxy to create a shear cylinder. Why consider a shear mode piezo half-ring? Sensing applications: Piezoelectric ceramics poled in shear mode are approximately 20 percent more sensitive than piezoelectric ceramics poled in the standard 3-direction. Piezo motor applications: By bonding two shear mode piezo half-rings together with a conductive epoxy the user can easily create a piezo motor that moves in a circular motion.

AVX introduces the smallest thin-film 10W 3dB directional couplers for wireless communications

AVX Corp., a leading manufacturer of advanced passive components and interconnect solutions, has introduced the smallest thin-film 10W 3dB directional couplers available in today’s market. Based on AVX’s proven thin-film technology, the new 0603 3dB 90° couplers exhibit excellent high-frequency performance in ranges spanning 800-6,000MHz and are currently unique in their ability to provide 10W continuous power handling. “Although designed for use in a wide variety of wireless communications applications, the power handling capabilities, expansive frequency range, and miniature size of our new thin-film 10W 3dB couplers makes them especially attractive for portable communications devices, as this particular market segment continues to demand smaller and smaller components in order to keep pace with consumers’ demands for the smallest and sleekest portable technology available,” says Larry Eisenberger, senior marketing application engineer at AVX. Utilizing land grid array (LGA) packaging technology, AVX’s new 10W 3dB directional couplers feature an inherently low profile, low parasitics, excellent solderability, and improved heat dissipation in addition to self-alignment during reflow. Surface mountable and RoHS compliant, the DB0603N couplers also feature low loss, high isolation, and rugged construction for reliable automatic assembly.

Compact, robust and waterproof: PZT actuators with resistance against exposure to humidity

From medical engineering to mechanical engineering to automotive industry applications—for years piezo-ceramic actuators have been an integral part of a broad range of applications and have proven their effectiveness millions of times over. The only problem: the actuator’s vulnerability to high humidity and the associated reduction in its durability. CeramTec has now succeeded in developing piezo-ceramic actuators with hermetically sealed protection that also offer outstanding long-term stability. This opens up a world of exciting new possibilities in industry and technology. CeramTec piezo-ceramic actuators are made from hundreds of layers of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films and exhibit a charge separation when subjected to the deformation process by an external force. With a speed of up to 0.1 milli­seconds, they can react very quickly while simultaneously exerting a force of one to two kilonewtons. Conventional piezo-ceramic actuators are protected by a polymer or ceramic coating. However, micro fissures may form during operation, allowing water molecules to come into contact with the piezoceramic. The stray current that arises as a result of this process reduces the performance capability of the actuator and can even destroy it.

Deltech control systems now ETL certified by Intertek

Deltech has announced that its control systems is now ETL certified by Intertek. Intertek certifies that Deltech furnace control systems conform to UL508A standards. Standard safety features of Deltech control systems include an emergency stop, door interlock, a safety relay, and isolation switches. Intertek’s ETL Listed Mark is proof of product compliance to North American electrical safety standards. Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ’s) in 50 states and Canada accept the ETL Listed Mark as proof of compliance.

Orton Foundation announces its June refractory course is sold out

The Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation has announced that its introduction to refractories course is now full. The three-day refractory ceramics short course is scheduled for June 24-26. Foundation officials say that anyone who would like to be added to the wait list and notified when the next course will be held should please contact group.

Company founder, scientist Haldor Topsøe has passed away

It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing Haldor Frederik Axel Topsøe, founder of Haldor Topsøe A/S. Topsøe was born on May 24, 1913, and passed away on May 20, 2013, shortly before his 100th birthday, after a brief period of illness. Topsøe will be greatly missed by his entire family and by the company’s employees. He remained actively involved in the daily operations of the company as working chair of the board until a few weeks before his death. During his long life, Haldor Topsøe made significant contributions to the world in terms of technological and scientific innovation to address global challenges within energy, food supply, and the environment. Topsøe has created a truly unique company, a world leader in the field of catalysis, which is instrumental in solving these issues. Henrik Topsøe, his son and vice chair, says,” We have lost the inspiring and loving head of our family—just as science and business have lost a brilliant leader, and the larger world has lost a great man. Due to his perseverance and dedication, and his technological and scientific contributions, my father improved the lives of millions. He has set standards within many fields, and he never stopped pushing the technological boundaries.”


Categories: Aeronautics, Business, Education, Electronics, Industry headlines, International, Magnetic materials, Materials supply chain, Refractories, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Obama announces competition for three new manufacturing centers

Edited By Eileen De Guire • May 23, 2013 • No Comments

“We want the next revolution in manufacturing to be made in America!” President Barack Obama proclaimed last week at a visit to Applied Materials in Austin, Tex.

He used the visit to announce a competition to establish the next three “manufacturing innovation institutes” as part of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. The new institutes will be similar to the pilot additive manufacturing institute in Youngstown, Ohio, comprising a collaboration between regional partners from industry, universities and community colleges, and government agencies.

“We are looking for companies and universities who are willing to partner and work together to help turn their regions into centers for high-tech jobs,” Obama said.

Applied Materials manufactures equipment and provides services and software for the advanced semiconductor, flat panel display, and solar photovoltaic manufacturing industries.

According to a White House press release, nearly half-a-million new manufacturing jobs have been added to the U.S. economy in the last three years. In his speech at Applied Materials, Obama called out several large companies that are bringing their manufacturing—and jobs—back to the United States, such as Caterpillar, Ford, and Apple. “There are some good trendlines there, but we’ve got to do everything we can to strengthen that trend,” he said.

The President’s FY2014 budget includes a request for $1 billion to create up to 15 new institutes. However, these next three are being set up through the White House, independent of congressional approval through appropriation.

Two of the institutes will be coordinated by the Department of Defense and one by the Department of Energy. These areas were selected for their commercial potential, applicability to agency missions, and coherence with existing programs such as the Materials Genome Initiative. Full details about the hubs and the government’s other manufacturing activities are available at the Advanced Manufacturing Portal.

They new hubs are (from the White House press release):

Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation (DoD)
Advanced design and manufacturing tools that are digitally integrated and networked with supply chains can lead to ‘factories of the future’ forming an agile U.S. industrial base with significant speed to market advantages. A national institute focusing on the development of novel model-based design methodologies, virtual manufacturing tools, and sensor and robotics based manufacturing networks will accelerate the innovation in digital manufacturing increasing U.S. competitiveness.

Lightweight and Modern Metals Manufacturing (DoD)
Advanced lightweight metals possess mechanical and electrical properties comparable to traditional materials while enabling much lighter components and products. A national institute will make the U.S. more competitive by scaling-up research to accelerate market expansion for products such as wind turbines, medical devices, engines, armored combat vehicles, and airframes, and lead to significant reductions in manufacturing and energy costs.

Next Generation Power Electronics Manufacturing (DoE) 
Wide-bandgap semiconductor-based power electronic devices represent the next major platform beyond the silicon-based devices that have driven major technological advances in our economy over the last several decades. Wide-bandgap technology will enable significantly more compact and efficient power electronic devices for electric vehicles, renewable power interconnection, industrial-scale variable-speed drive motors and a smarter, more flexible grid; in addition to high-performance defense applications (e.g. reducing the size of a sub-station to a suit case).

The president also used the speech to talk about some of his administration’s high school initiatives on workforce development, especially for the high-tech and manufacturing sectors.



Categories: Business, Funding, Manufacturing
Tags: , , , , ,

Structural Clay Division and brick industry leaders meet in Salt Lake City

Edited By Jim Destefani • May 23, 2013 • No Comments


A highlight of the meeting was a tour of Interestate Brick, a 122-year-old facility set against the Salt Lake City area's mountain backdrop.

A highlight of the meeting was a tour of Interstate Brick, a 122-year-old facility set against the Salt Lake City area’s mountain backdrop. Credit: ACerS

The ACerS Structural Clay Products Division (SCPD), in conjunction with the National Brick Research Center (NBRC; Anderson, S.C.), held its spring meeting May 13 and 14 in Salt Lake City. This is the first year ACerS SCPD and NBRC have held a joint meeting, and the event was very well received by attendees, according to ACerS’ Greg Geiger who was there.

The meeting kicked off with an evening reception on May 13th. On the 14th, Interstate Brick (West Jordan, Utah) hosted a tour of its 122-year-old plant. Before the tour, SCPD Chair James Hopkins of Swindell Dressler presented a certificate of appreciation from ACerS SCPD to Interstate Operations Manager Gerry Gunning.

Interstate engineer and SCPD Secretary John Hewitt, top, and a tour attendee observe packaging of Interstate's Atlas bricks.

Interstate engineer and SCPD Secretary John Hewitt (top) and NBRC's John Sanders observe packaging of Interstate's Atlas reinforceable brick. Credit: ACerS

The plant currently uses 10 body mixes from clay sourced from eight area mines to produce 16-inch hollow reinforceable and veneer brick as well as pavers, thin brick, and residential and commercial veneer between 8-12 inches long.

Interstate is best known for its 16-inch Atlas reinforceable brick, which attendees saw in production during the tour. The material permits construction of taller, thinner walls that can withstand earthquakes, extreme wind conditions, and fire. The company’s 16-inch Emperor face brick can be scored to look like smaller bricks, allowing masons to increase output. The tour concluded with lunch for attendees.

SCPD Chair-elect Greg Grabert of Basic Machinery presents a certificate of appreciation to outgoing Chair Jim Hopkins of Swindell Dressler.

SCPD Chair-elect Greg Grabert of Basic Machinery (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to outgoing Chair Jim Hopkins of Swindell Dressler. Credit: ACerS

The afternoon technical session featured nine speakers on topics ranging from efflorescence to thin brick production and testing. Chip Clark from the Brick Industry Association (Reston, Va.) gave an informative presentation on the Building Information Modeling for Masonry (BIM-M) initiative. The goal of BIM-M is to unify the masonry industry and supporting industries by developing and implementing BIM for masonry software to facilitate collaboration among owners, architects, engineers, manufacturers, masons, contractors, construction managers, and maintenance professionals. Clark said brick manufacturers can contribute to BIM-M by providing data used in the software’s Masonry Unit Model Definition, including product dimensions; elective tests; and physical, thermal, and sound properties that should be included in the database.

The event concluded with NBRC’s general membership meeting followed by a review of its research program. Full meeting details, including corporate sponsors and PowerPoint presentations, are available here.


Categories: ACerS activities, Business, Construction, Education, Networking
Tags: , ,

Older Entries »