Chemist L.C. 'Bud' Rubens of Midland, Mich., is recognized for his groundbreaking work on gaseous blowing agents and their role in creating polymer foams with unique properties. He has obtained 58 U.S. patents and continues to be an active consultant at 80 years old.
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has won three R¼D 100 Awards for its groundbreaking technological innovations. The awards recognize the lab's cutting-edge research in X-ray microfocusing mirrors and high-thermal-conductivity graphite foam.
University of Illinois researchers simulate compressible foam to predict a dramatic morphological transition. They found that increased surface tension compresses most bubbles, forcing the remaining to expand and fill the space, leading to two distinct phases of foam.
Researchers have detected fluorocarbon- and hydrocarbon-based surfactants in groundwater at military bases in Florida and Nevada. The presence of these surfactants poses concerns about their impact on human health and the environment, as they are resistant to degradation and may also contaminate other pollutants.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a decontamination foam that can neutralize chemical and biological agents in minutes. The foam, called Decon Foam 100, is made from ordinary household products and could be dispensed immediately after an attack, even before evacuating casualties.