Video: Europe’s gas crisis comes for Venice glassblowers

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is contributing to an ongoing surge in fuel prices that has greatly affected numerous European industries since last fall. Last November we reported on challenges faced by the ceramics industry, and today we look at the struggles of Venice glassblowers to keep their centuries-old tradition alive.

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Ceramic characterization reveals the practices of a late medieval brass foundry

Historical research on the trade of metal supplies and objects often overshadows studies on the practices, recipes, and supplies of clays used by metallurgists of the time. Researchers in Belgium and France characterized metallurgical ceramic samples from the remains of a Late Medieval Period foundry in Brussels and found the analyses, in conjunction with written sources, highlight the mobility of clay materials, not just metal.

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Full ceramic electrodes epitomize next step for fused filament fabrication of lithium-ion batteries

While fused filament fabrication has the potential to fabricate lithium-ion batteries with tailored geometries, the high amount of polymer often included in the electrodes can limit application. University of Castilla-La Mancha researchers attempted the required debinding/sintering treatment to achieve full ceramic electrodes via this additive manufacturing method.

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Composite showdown—technological developments could lower carbon fiber composites’ environmental impact

Currently, replacing conventional materials with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers typically increases life cycle energy use due to the energy-intensive fiber production process. A new prospective life cycle assessment suggests certain technological developments could lead to carbon fiber composites with lower environmental impact than glass fiber composites.

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