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Facts At Your Fingertips: Milling for Particle Size Control
Milling is commonly used for particle-size reduction and control of particle-size distribution (PSD) for crystalline solids. Mills are effective for generating consistent solids properties, through size reduction and surface-modification mechanisms [1]. This one-page reference outlines the mechanical forces involved in…
Business News: November 2024
Plant Watch BASF completes superabsorbent polymers expansion project in Texas October 16, 2024 — BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) announced that its petrochemicals division has completed production upgrades for superabsorbent polymers (SAP) after a $19.2-million investment in its Freeport, Tex.…
A low-cost method for bio-based production of acrylic acid
Acrylic acid, a commodity chemical used widely in superabsorbent polymers, paints, coatings, adhesives and more, is typically produced from fossil-based propylene at relatively high temperatures. As part of an initiative supported by the U.S. Dept. of Defense, funding was recently…
A non-toxic co-solvent makes batteries safer and more efficient
The solvent N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) has been used to coat anodes and cathodes in lithium-ion batteries, but it has been shown to be a reproductive toxin, necessitating controlled handling and recycling within a closed system, which adds complexity and cost to…
“Frugal” method adsorbs and destroys PFAS with photocatalyst
Removing per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) from surface and groundwater has become an environmental and public health imperative, but methods for doing so are often complicated and costly, and may not destroy the molecules. Researchers at the University of British…
Process for electrolytically converting CO2 to carbon materials to be scaled up
With a recent round of investment funding, UP Catalyst (Tallinn, Estonia; www.upcatalyst.com) plans to build a pilot plant for a process that converts waste carbon dioxide into a range of solid carbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes, (CNTs), graphite and…
New method lowers energy required for production of cellulose nanofibers
Because of their excellent mechanical properties, light weight and biodegradability, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are attractive materials for next-generation reinforced biomaterials and bioplastics. However, the method for separating cellulose to make CNF, known as fibrillation, is energy-intensive, which limits applications for…
Coriolis Flowmeters: Insights for Selection and Upgrade
Coriolis mass flowmeters are available with a range of body styles and transmitters, enabling significant functionality improvements without sensor replacement Coriolis meters have long been a mainstay in the chemical process industries (CPI), providing highly accurate mass-flow measurements for raw-material…
Investigating Decarbonization Strategies for Steam-Cracker Furnaces
Significant sustainability benefits can be gained through optimization in steam-cracking furnaces. The study detailed here shows the specific decarbonization strategies that can help improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions The chemical process industries (CPI) rely heavily on steam cracking to…
Show Preview: Valve World Conference & Expo
The Valve World Conference & Expo (www.valveworldexpo.com) is being held December 3–5 in Düsseldorf, Germany. One of the world’s largest events for industrial valve technologies, this year’s Valve World boasts nearly 400 exhibitors covering the full spectrum of the industry.…