Sapphire, the single crystal form of alumina (Al₂O₃), was first synthesized more than a century ago, but the most exciting advances associated with this versatile material are taking place today.  

Columbia Engineering researchers recently demonstrated that graphene, even if stitched together from many small crystalline grains, is almost as strong as graphene in its perfect crystalline form. This work resolves a contradiction between theoretical simulations, which predicted that grain boundaries can be strong, and earlier experiments, which indicated that they were much weaker than the perfect lattice.

The improved business performance benefits resulting from employee engagement have been documented by many studies. Engaged employees go beyond what is required, find new ways to reduce costs or increase value, and are willing advocates for their companies.

Worldwide water scarcity, combined with an increase in population growth, is leading to the realization that water production and reuse must become more efficient. Industries that use large amounts of water, including the food and energy industries, are increasingly on the lookout for sustainable filtration solutions that improve industrial water reuse efficiencies.

Next year’s Euro 6 exhaust-gas standard will make catalytic converters more expensive, especially for diesel vehicles. Researchers at Empa are working on a catalytic substrate made of ceramic foam which, because of its structure, is more efficient and thus more economical. In addition, the material also reportedly requires less noble metal coating.

China’s refractory materials production in 2012 fell 4.43% over the previous year to 28.1891 million tons, reportedly due to a slowdown in growth rates for downstream sectors like iron and steel, building materials, and glass, as well as the reduced demand for refractories in infrastructure construction.

The Statue of Liberty National Monument reopened to the public featuring two new fire stairwells and an elevator that will allow visitors with reduced mobility (including—for the first time—those in wheelchairs) to look into the statue’s interior structure.

According to a study released earlier this year by The Freedonia Group, demand in the worldwide refractories market is expected to grow 3.4% per year through 2016, reaching 46.3 million metric tons valued at $46.5 billion in product sales.

Starting last August, Ohio kicked off a one-year recycling pilot program to recover glass bottles from bars and restaurants. After collection, some of the glass will go to local glass manufacturer O-I for use in the production of new containers.

I was walking our three dogs and our foster dog on a recent Saturday morning when a woman pulled up in a car and asked if I was a professional dog walker. This happens to me fairly often.