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Mimicking cell behavior with functionalized surfactants
Active surfactants are those that are responsive to an external stimulus, such as temperature, light, electric or magnetic fields or chemical agents. Scientists from the Institute for Basic Science (Daejeon, South Korea; www.ibs.re.kr) have developed surfactants based on functionalized nanoparticle…
Gas sensors get a big boost in sensitivity
It has been a challenge to find materials that can reliably detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic gases in air at the parts-per-billion (ppb) level, or that can be used for therapeutic diagnosis from breath analysis. That’s because two…
Chementator Briefs
Waste to chemicals A consortium of companies, including Air Liquide (Paris, France; www.airliquide.com), AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals (Amsterdam, the Netherlands; www.akzonobel.com), Enerkem Inc. (Montreal, Canada; www.enerkem.com) and the Port of Rotterdam, has signed a project development agreement covering initial investments in…
These batteries can handle the cold
Lithium-ion batteries based on intercalation compound electrodes exhibit poor performance at temperatures below 0°C. Insufficient ionic conductivity and freezing of the electrolyte are generally seen as the main reasons for the poor performance of rechargeable batteries at low temperatures. Although…
Business News – April 2018
Plant Watch Evonik to construct new polyamide 12 plant at Marl Chemical Park March 14, 2018 — Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) is planning to build a new production complex for polyamide 12 (PA 12). The group intends to…
Lithium Battery Demand Drives Process Evolution
An explosion in battery demand has fostered a welcoming environment for innovations in sourcing and processing lithium and cobalt The drive for higher capacity and enhanced performance from lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), in conjunction with skyrocketing demand for electronic devices and…
Level Measurement: One Size Does Not Fit All
Today’s level measurement instruments are smarter, easier to use and designed to meet the challenges of the CPI When it comes to level measurement, chemical processors long for a “silver bullet” technology that works in every application. Unfortunately, there isn’t…
Focus on Pumps
Compact high-pressure pump for plant engineering This company extended its product range of compact high-pressure Movitec pumps with a new horizontal version (photo), the H(S)I. Rather than being arranged in line as is common for this type of pump, the…
Interphex 2018 Show Preview
Interphex, the annual event focused on pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing, takes place April 17–19 at the Jacobs Javits Center in New York City. This year’s event will bring together 11,000 attendees for a technical conference, networking events, technology demonstrations and…
Show Preview: The 2018 International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition
The International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition (iPBS) is taking place April 24–26 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. This event will draw over 3,500 professionals from around the globe who specialize in powder…