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Diamonds - Rapid Production of Synthetic Diamonds Using a Plasma Jet Reactor

Synthetic diamonds are normally processed in a microwave reactor. The use of a plasma jet reactor can increase diamond deposition rates by as much as 10-100 times. The systems are briefly described and applications for synthetic diamonds are covered.

11 Nov 2003

Nanometer Sized Bumps Improve Prosthetic Implant Performance - News Item

Biomedical engineers have found that nanometer-scale surface features improve the acceptance of implants by the human body. Posted October 28 2003

11 Nov 2003

Cadbury Chocolates to Packaged in Biodegradable Polymers

Cadbury Milk Tray Chocolates are the first in the world to be sold in a new water soluble, biodegradable, cornstarch polymeric packaging from Plantic Technologies. Posted November 5 2003

7 Nov 2003

Driver Friendly Polymer Matrix Composite Lamp Posts

Thermopole is a new polymer-based lamp post that reduces the impact force absorbed by a vehicle and driver during a collision. Properties and advantages of the product are outlined. Posted November 5 2003

7 Nov 2003

Colour Changing Electrochromic False Nails

Researchers have developed and patented the ultimate fashion accessory, colour changing nails. The false nails which use electrochromic technology can have their colour changed to any colour using a digital control device. Posted November 4 2003

5 Nov 2003

Piezoelectric Fibre Reinforced Polymer Sensors

The Fraunhofer Institute of Silica Research have embedded small diameter piezoelectric fibres into a polymer matrix to make sensors that can record mechanical loads in three directions. Posted August 2003

31 Oct 2003

Advanced Aeroegine Materials Project – A UK Campaign Aimed at Developing Materials for Future Aeroengines

ADAM is the Advanced Aeroengine Materials project, aimed at developing materials for future aeroengines. The new project is described. Key interest include friction welding, single crystal alloys, powder metallurgy, metal matrix composites and electric engines. Posted August 2003

31 Oct 2003

Hardening of Steels - Surface Hardening, Nitriding, Flame Hardening and Induction Hardening

The hardness of steels can be increased using various processes such as surface, flame and induction hardening as well as nitriding. Factors that affect the depth of hardness achievable in steels and relationships between hardness and tensile strength are also outlined.

31 Oct 2003

Heat Treatment of Metals - Specifying Heat Treatments

The importance of understanding heat treatment processes and their effects is described. Equally as important is speicying heat treatment processes and the properties desired after heat treatment.

31 Oct 2003