Lisa McDonald

Clarifying the definition and role of nucleating agents within glass-ceramic systems

By Lisa McDonald / August 5, 2022

Much research has taken place on glass-ceramics since its discovery in the 1950s. However, the nucleation process within glass-ceramics still is not understood across all glass systems, nor is the specific role of nucleating agents. Researchers in the United States and Brazil aimed to help advance research in this area by clarifying some terms and effects for the glass-ceramics community.

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Video: Heat waves and drought threaten structural stability of French homes

By Lisa McDonald / August 3, 2022

In addition to the health impacts of Europe’s current record-setting heat waves and drought, the weather is leading more houses to experience structural damage as the underlying soil dries and contracts. Subsidence-related damages are a major problem for French homeowners, and insurers and the government have been in talks over how to better handle such damage claims.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Lisa McDonald / August 3, 2022

Nanodiamonds detect temperatures inside cells, assessing emerging transistor performance, and other materials stories that may be of interest for August 3, 2022.

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CHIPS+ nears the finish line after two plus years of discussion

By Lisa McDonald / August 2, 2022

On July 28, 2022, the United States House of Representatives approved the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden for his signature. This act, colloquially called CHIPS+, contains bipartisan semiconductor funding and innovation policy measures that have been in the works since the Trump administration.

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Ceramic and glass business news of the week for August 1, 2022

By Lisa McDonald / August 1, 2022

Lithoz wins LESI Innovation Award in “Small Enterprises” category, Allied Mineral Products mourns the passing of Jon K. Tabor, and more ceramic and glass business news of the week for August 1, 2022.

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Video: Titanium dioxide ban illustrates the differing approaches to chemicals regulation in the EU and US

By Lisa McDonald / July 27, 2022

As the European Union prepares to ban the use of titanium dioxide as a food additive starting August 7, the United States Food and Drug Administration has no plans to change regulation of this substance. This situation illustrates the larger picture of how the EU and U.S. differ in their approach to chemicals regulation.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Lisa McDonald / July 27, 2022

Stable graphene-based suspensions, recycled glass in ancient Greek floors, and other materials stories that may be of interest for July 27, 2022.

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Ceramic and glass business news of the week for July 25, 2022

By Lisa McDonald / July 25, 2022

China’s Keda Industrial to spend $67 million expanding ceramics output in Africa, Fairmat to recycle 30% of industry’s carbon fiber waste in Europe one year after inception, and more ceramic and glass business news of the week for July 25, 2022.

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Cosmos creation—exploring formation of ceramic materials in space

By Lisa McDonald / July 22, 2022

The universe contains many complex chemistries and phenomena yet to be discovered or explained. Two recent studies offer a glimpse into how some ceramic materials may form in space.

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First glass, raw materials, plus more inside August 2022 ACerS Bulletin

By Lisa McDonald / July 21, 2022

The August 2022 issue of the ACerS Bulletin—featuring formation of first glass in the universe—is now available online. Plus—USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries and refractory raw materials and sustainability.

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