Cooling Polymer Sheets
Warming from the sun occurs through the absorption of visible light and infrared light into materials whose molecular groups become energized at specific wavelengths, and the material warms. These molecules then can lose the energy by emitting it at different wavelengths, often in the infrared spectrum, cooling the material. Passive Cooling Creating surfaces that do […]
Breathe Easy
Biosafety Level 4 labs are used to study the deadliest pathogens known to humankind. In these labs, the scientists are garbed in protective suits that provide an external air supply and positive pressure throughout, to prevent inhalation and permeation of any airborne pathogens that may be present in the lab. The NY Times reported that […]
Was the Mad Hatter Actually a Dentist?
Material Selection in Dental Fillings So you indulged in a little too much holiday candy, and now need a cavity filled? There are several material choices, including amalgam alloy and composite resin. Metal Amalgam vs. Polymeric Composite If you had a filling prior to 1986, it was likely composed of an amalgam alloy, which is […]
What Are Candy Hearts Made Of?
Sweetheart Conversation Hearts are an iconic symbol of Valentine’s Day. First created by the New England Confectionery Company in 1902, Sweethearts are Necco Wafers cut in heart shapes and stamped with romantic messages. The recipe hasn’t changed much since the early 20th century, but the messages are updated as popular vernacular evolves, and now include […]
Just A Pinch of Salt Makes the Wheels Go Round
As the Boston area cleans up after another Nor’easter (New England’s name for a blizzard), we considered the practice of salting roads during and after these winter storms. If you have observed this practice, you will first notice that the salt used on roads bears little resemblance to the salt on your dining room table. […]
From Catheters to Ski Boots: Polyether Block Amide Resins
Highly engineered thermoplastic elastomers are finding broad application use these days. Traditionally, elastomers often involved silicones, polyurethanes, or crosslinked rubbers. For applications requiring greater mechanical properties, such as impact strength, modulus, and fatigue strength, block copolymers comprised of polyether amide (PEBA) are often found. PEBAs are formed from the condensation polymerization of a carboxylic polyamide […]
A Tale of Two Footballs
Material Characterization of Synthetic vs. Leather Balls The argument of synthetic over natural leather in football and other sports, such as rugby or basketball, ultimately comes down to ball feel and grip. Rugby has transitioned to synthetic surfaces (and anyone who ever caught a high ball made from leather in wet conditions is grateful for […]
Cleanliness in Medical Devices
Join CPG scientists Stephen Spiegelberg and Gavin Braithwaite for a webinar on medical device cleanliness. The discussion will include examples of what happens when cleaning processes are not properly verified and validated, how to establish the number of samples to test, how to test for device cleanliness, and how to establish acceptable residue limits. Dr. […]
Silly Putty Plus Graphene Yields Sensitive Pressure Sensor
A group of Irish researchers from Trinity College, Dublin have created a new, extremely sensitive pressure detector using Silly Putty. Physicist Jonathan Coleman mainly works with graphene, a 2D material that was isolated in 2004 with remarkable properties. Graphene is strong (200 times greater than steel), thin (1 million times thinner than a human hair), […]