Shape memory polymers were first conceived back in the 1940s when L. B. Vernon and his colleagues discovered the shape memory properties of polymers, reported in a 1941 paper. Following this, two decades later scientists began using covalently cross-linked polyethylenes within heat-shrinkable tubing and film, representing the next milestone in the development of shape memory polymers.
By Sarah Moore
13 Jan 2020
Any SPCC-regulated site or facility is obligated by EPA regulation to have robust enough secondary containment that any oil spilled from primary containment will not be able to reach navigable water.
By Megan Ray Nichols
13 Jan 2020
A guide to navigating and implementing successful digital transformation from LabVantage Solutions Inc.
Among the promising developments of nanotechnology in recent years, has been the development of the so-called bottom-up manufacturing of nanomaterials. This is the process by which materials at tiny scales and properties on the nanoscale (between 1 nm and 100 nm, or one and one hundred billionths of a meter) are manufactured through chemical growth from a material – known as epitaxy.
By Ben Pilkington
7 Jan 2020
While an optical microscope allows users to visualize microscopic structures using magnification and visual light, an atomic force microscope (AFM) can provide information on atomic-scale structures by using a tiny physical probe.
By Brett Smith
7 Jan 2020
A Swiss team of researchers have developed a technique to detect counterfeit watches using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), producing chemical profiles which classify watches into chemical groups, determining their authenticity.
By Sarah Moore
7 Jan 2020
Lasers are an advanced optical technology being used across many different applications ranging from astronomy to medicine. Today, there are many different types of lasers, each of which are suited to different applications dependent on power and range required. This article focuses on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELS) and their best suited applications.
By Liam Critchley
7 Jan 2020
Ceramics are materials which have existed for a long period of time and have since evolved from the materials used to make porcelain. Aside from conventional ceramics seen in art galleries, there are a whole host of technical ceramic materials and piezoceramic materials that are used in sensor applications.
By Liam Critchley
6 Jan 2020
In materials science, thermal testing refers to the process of subjecting materials to analysis through thermal control in order to collect data on a wide range of properties.
The vast amount of research that has been performed on three-dimensional (3D) printing has inspired manufacturers of technical ceramics to incorporate this advancing technology into their production process.
By Benedette Cuffari
6 Jan 2020