As I write this column, I’ve already got candy on the brain. This is definitely the time of year for costumes, pumpkins and other decorations—and sugar shock. Be sure to stock up on plenty of candy, or you might wake up the day after trick-or-treat to find toilet paper streaming throughout your front yard!

All tricks don’t have to be bad (just Google “dogs and skateboards” to see more examples than you can imagine), and we’re spotlighting some cool tricks in this issue that can also masquerade as treats for ceramic manufacturers. For example, advances in aluminum nitride powder production can enhance its performance in the high-performance polymers used in applications such as electronic cars. Learn how the incorporation of spherical alumina is helping manufacturers produce “Cost-Effective Aluminum Nitride Powders for High Thermal Conductivity Resins” in this issue.

For most of us, our knowledge of microwaves is probably limited to popping popcorn and reheating leftovers. However, as Harrop’s Mike Dunn writes, “When applied to ceramic materials, microwave processing opens up opportunities to reduce costs and energy consumption while improving productivity and material properties.” A lack of knowledge—both from producers of microwave power systems and from kiln manufacturers—has traditionally limited its use in ceramic manufacturing. What needs to be accomplished in order for the ceramic industry to reap the benefits of microwave technologies? Find out in “Microwave Heating of Ceramics.”

What cool tricks does your company use in its processes? Please send your success stories to me at suttons@bnpmedia.com, or feel free to call (248) 786-1704.