A research team led by Michael Gratzel at the Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces of EPFL has increased the Gratzel solar cell efficiency to 12.3%, which is now equivalent to that of existing silicon solar panels available in the market.
By Dr. Cameron Chai
14 Nov 2011
Alcoa has declared that it has created a new all-aluminum bus design and space frame for BYD, reducing the body weight of the new BYD electric bus by around 1 t or 40%, when compared to steel components.
Extruded rigid polystyrene foams (XPS) from BASF, Styrodur 5000 CS, Styrodur 4000 CS and Styrodur 3035 CS has received technical approval to be used as multiple layers in order to provide an external insulation in groundwater from the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) and the German Institute for Construction Technology located in Berlin.
Following the growing demand from the market LayTec now offers a new EpiTT version offering three simultaneous reflectance measurements. With EpiTT 3W now more complex in-situ growth studies of compound semiconductor devices composed of materials having rather wide band edges can be performed.
Michelman has acquired Clariant's European based Licomer business. The purchase includes the Licomer line of floor polish additives, associated intellectual property, equipment and assets. Michelman will integrate al...
The “Most Innovative Use of Plastic Awards” Event was organized by the Society of Plastics Engineers. Awards were presented to Toyota, Ford and Fiat for parts that utilize two DuPont materials, which are renewably sourced. These DuPont materials include the Sorona EP polymer, Zytel RS nylon and Hytrel TPC-ET.
By Dr. Cameron Chai
11 Nov 2011
Novelis will invest around $32 million for extending the capacity of its aluminum recycling and rolling facility in Brazil.
Dow Corning is supplying Molykote D-708 anti-friction coating to a major brake producer for decreasing noise from the brake-pad clips. Currently, Tier 1 suppliers have found this dry-film lubricant useful on disc-brake systems of many vehicles.
CIC marGUNE researchers are working on the development of cost-effective waterjet milling technology. Conventional milling techniques employ wear-prone and expensive cutting tools for aeronautic materials.
By Dr. Cameron Chai
11 Nov 2011
Amorphous silicon is a key constituent in next-generation flat-screen televisions and solar panels. The University of Girona scientists along with assistance from laboratories of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and University of Barcelona, conducted a new study, which has unveiled that the amorphous silicon’s energy in its most stable state is 50% less than the normal value.
By Dr. Cameron Chai
11 Nov 2011
Morgan Advanced Materials has designed and manufactured the ceramic tips for a ground-breaking medical device from Microsulis Medical Ltd that destroys tumours in a minimally invasive procedure.
SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business today announced that two automotive applications molded from its broad portfolio of thermoplastic materials received top honors at the 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE®) Automotive Innovation Awards competition.
BaySpec, Inc., a leader in high throughput spectral engines for small and large molecular sample identification, today announced enhancements to its Nomadic Raman Microscope product.
Equipped with the novel Aero dry dispersion unit, the new Mastersizer 3000 particle size analyzer from Malvern Panalytical now extends dry measurement to the widest possible range of sample types.
Cabot’s hydrophobic aerogel has been used in the internal building insulation system of Sto, Deutschland.
By Dr. Cameron Chai
10 Nov 2011