Posts by Lisa McDonald
New desalination process uses carbon nanotubes to filter salt from seawater
A research collaboration has resulted in a new desalination process, using carbon nanotube “straws” to filter out salt from seawater. It could prove to be the next step in getting clean water to underdeveloped countries.
Read MoreA window to the brain: Biocompatible ceramics open clear options for ultrasonic brain treatment
An international group of researchers has a clear idea for a solution to deliver noninvasive ultrasound brain treatment to patients—a transparent ceramic window implanted into the skull that would allow continued ultrasonic therapy delivered directly to the brain.
Read MoreCigarette butts mixed with asphalt create new pavement material
A research team may have solved the cigarette butt litter problem. By mixing discarded cigarette butts with asphalt concrete, they produced a material that can handle heavy traffic and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Read MoreOpen-access article highlights role of ceramics and glass to meet society grand challenges
An open-access article in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society reports on the findings of a September 2016 NSF-sponsored workshop on the role of ceramic and glass science research in meeting society’s grand challenges.
Read MoreVideo: Green on the go—Mobile solar panel brings plug-and-play power from the sun anywhere
When it comes to harnessing solar energy on the go, a company called SolPad has introduced a nifty new product that could allow you to take the power of the sun anywhere—SolPad Mobile is an all-in-one solar solution that incorporates gallium nitride solar cells and solid-state battery storage into one sleek, portable, clean energy-providing package.
Read MoreOther materials stories that may be of interest
Black phosphorous ink could transform production of new laser and optoelectronic devices, the power of perovskite, and other materials stories that may be of interest for August 23, 2017.
Read MoreWhat’s really inside your smartphone: A pile of raw minerals and serious social consequences
According to a laboratory compositional analysis, the elemental recipe for a 129-g Apple iPhone includes about 24.1% aluminum, 15.4% carbon, 14.4% iron, and 14.5% oxygen by weight. And altogether, that pile of smartphone powder—ground from a $700 device—has a raw elemental value of about $1.03.
Read MoreSeCerS Advanced Ceramics and Applications V conference attracts more than 130 scientists
More than 130 scientists and researchers from around the world attended The Serbian Ceramic Society’s annual conference to listen to leading experts and shared research on nanotechnologies, multifunctional materials, composite materials, and other ceramic-related topics.
Read MoreThe solar eclipse: Effects on the grid, plus 10 pieces of eclipse trivia to impress your friends
Planning on watching the eclipse? Learn how it might affect the grid—plus some interesting geeky trivia to share with and impress your fellow eclipse watchers.
Read MoreCelebrating ACerS 2017 awards and honors, plus more inside September 2017 ACerS Bulletin
The September 2017 issue of the ACerS Bulletin—featuring ACerS 2017 class of awards, an interagency report on ceramic coatings to improve engine efficiency, and a novel bauxite porcelain microstructure for high-voltage insulation—is now available online.
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