Lisa McDonald

New test method for aluminosilicate refractories offers better insight into real-world alkali attack mechanisms

By Lisa McDonald / June 3, 2022

The common way to test alkali resistance of aluminosilicate refractories is based solely on visual observation after exposure to alkali vapor. Allied Mineral Products researchers explored a new procedure that would subject refractories to both visual analysis and formal analytical testing after exposure to alkali slag and vapor.

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Video: World Environment Day celebrates 50 years—how ceramic and glass materials help us live sustainably

By Lisa McDonald / June 1, 2022

In honor of World Environment Day on June 5, we look at a few of the many important contributions by ceramic and glass scientists that move us toward a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Lisa McDonald / June 1, 2022

Build materials out of tiny particles, fixing porosity measurements, and other materials stories that may be of interest for June 1, 2022.

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Ceramic and glass business news of the week for May 30, 2022

By Lisa McDonald / May 30, 2022

Canada’s first rare earth producer begins shipping concentrate, SensFit Technologies and Footwork Podiatric Lab partner to develop smart orthotics, and more ceramic and glass business news of the week for May 30, 2022.

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Streamlining communication—US federal committees and agencies lay plans for spectrum management reform

By Lisa McDonald / May 27, 2022

In recent years, conflicts over spectrum usage by private, public, and federal entities have reached a fever pitch. The Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, as well as House and Senate committees, are considering initiatives and legislation to reform and improve spectrum management.

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Video: The forgotten history of Franklin’s glass armonica

By Lisa McDonald / May 25, 2022

Few musical instruments are made out of glass. In the mid-1700s, American polymath Benjamin Franklin was inspired by glass harps to design a friction-based instrument called the glass armonica. Though popular at the time, glass armonicas are largely forgotten today.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Lisa McDonald / May 25, 2022

Möbius carbon nanobelt, 4D printing with structural colors, and other materials stories that may be of interest for May 25, 2022.

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Carbon–tungsten oxide cathodes may benefit long-term stability of aluminum-ion batteries

By Lisa McDonald / May 24, 2022

Aluminum-ion batteries are faster, cheaper, and safer than lithium-ion batteries, but finding an appropriate material for the cathode is proving to be a barrier to commercialization. Researchers in Poland investigated the potential of carbon–tungsten oxide composites as cathode materials.

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Ceramic and glass business news of the week for May 23, 2022

By Lisa McDonald / May 23, 2022

Elk Creek Project confirmed as second largest indicated-or-better rare earth resource in U.S., Adani to become India’s No. 2 cement maker with $10.5 billion Holcim deal, and more ceramic and glass business news of the week for May 23, 2022.

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Video: Tile manufacturers face clay shortages due to war in Ukraine

By Lisa McDonald / May 18, 2022

Disruptions in the energy market are not the only market forces affecting the European ceramics industry. The war in Ukraine is also driving a shortage in supplies of Ukrainian clay.

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