Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Degrading Plastics To Reduce Waste

A new type of degradable polyethene, SPI-TEK, breaks down in five years and allows other organic materials to decompose, increasing landfill site capacity. Bayer is also testing a new 100% degradable polyester suitable for industrial production in agriculture and food sectors.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateMar 2, 1999

Design Fraud: A Global Problem

A recent study found that over 40% of UK textile firms have discovered infringing fabric designs in the past three years, with one-third of firms finding illegal designs overseas. Designers often lack knowledge about copyright law and are reluctant to take rivals to court due to complexity and scope for interpretation.

New Ultrafine Metal Powder Production Process

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new process for producing ultrafine metal powders, including silver and nickel, using a laser, household blender, and inexpensive reaction materials. The process produces particles in the 1-100 nanometer range, smaller than bacteria or viruses, with improved purity and uniformity.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateOct 31, 1997

New, Environmentally Friendly Technique For Separating Liquids Invented At UNC-CH

Researchers at UNC-CH have invented a process using carbon dioxide to separate liquids, promising a more environmentally friendly alternative to toxic solvents. The new method, described in Nature, has shown success in removing dye from water and could be applied in industries releasing vast amounts of waste water into the environment.

Seeds Without Sex

CSIRO scientists have discovered a gene in Arabidopsis that allows it to bypass normal pollination and form seed. The hunt is on to find equivalent genes in commercial plants like rice to develop seedless crops through apomixis.

Argonne Converts Corn Into Chemistry

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a process to convert corn into commercial chemicals, reducing reliance on imported oil and expanding domestic agriculture. The new process produces 1,2-butanediol, tetrahydrofuran, N-methyl pyrrolidone, and other essential chemicals for various industries.