Category: Materials science

According to the USGS, approximately 85% of commercial chromium is used for the production of stainless steel and chrome plating. This lustrous, hard metal is valued for its remarkable hardness, corrosion resistance, and ability to take a high polish. The purpose of chromium extends far beyond industry, with a small amount also being a key trace element in human biology.

Originally developed in the early 20th century, protein foam was the first mass-produced firefighting foam, relying on natural hydrolyzed proteins to create a thick, stable blanket for extinguishing Class B fires. This specialized agent remains a key tool in fire safety due to its excellent heat and burnback resistance.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, copper has been used for over 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest metals in human history. In its powdered form, the benefits of copper powder extend its versatile properties into a wide array of modern industrial and technological applications.

Discovered in 1985 by Harold Kroto, Robert Curl, and Richard Smalley, the C60 molecule consists of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a distinctive soccer ball-like shape. This unusual structure is why another name for C60 is buckminsterfullerene, also known by the common nickname "buckyballs".

Despite being a key component of urine, a solution that contains many electrolytes, urea itself does not conduct electricity when dissolved in water. This surprising fact clarifies that urea is, in fact, a non-electrolyte under standard conditions.

Approximately 75 million tons of rice hulls are produced annually worldwide as a byproduct of rice milling. So, what are rice hulls rich in? Primarily, they are known for their high content of silica and tough lignocellulosic fibers, with other valuable compounds unlocked through various processing methods.

Iron is the fourth most abundant element, by mass, in the Earth's crust and has been a cornerstone of human technological advancement for millennia. From building modern infrastructure to performing critical functions within our bodies, the diverse and indispensable uses of iron have shaped the world as we know it.

Over 65% of global nickel production is used in the manufacturing of stainless steel, but the best source of nickel depends heavily on its intended final application. Nickel is primarily sourced from two distinct ore types—laterites and sulfides—each requiring different processing methods and yielding varying grades of metal. This guide explores the different sources to determine which is optimal for specific industrial uses.

Derived from volcanic ash, bentonite is a type of clay that is widely recognized for its powerful binding and absorbent properties. This article explores the question: is bentonite clay a good binder, and in which industrial applications does it excel?

Over 70% of the world's cobalt supply originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), creating a highly concentrated and geopolitically sensitive market. This reality, coupled with cobalt’s indispensable properties in modern applications, forces the urgent question: is cobalt essential?