The hottest Materials Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

But good sir, what is electricity?

lcamtuf’s thing • 18977 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🔬 Science Electricity Physics Chemistry Electronics Materials
  1. Electricity is about how electrons interact with atoms. Electrons can move from one place to another, creating electric current in conductive materials like metals.
  2. Conductors, like metals, allow electrons to flow freely, while insulators hold onto their electrons tightly. This difference determines how well materials conduct electricity.
  3. The movement of electrons in a wire is what allows us to use electricity for various tasks. It can be quick, but individual electrons move slowly compared to the speed at which electrical signals travel.

Black & White Furniture Finishes

The American Peasant • 1836 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🪑 Design Furniture Techniques Materials Artistry
  1. Using wood bleach can make wood really light. It's not the same as the bleach for clothes, and it works well for making furniture look bright.
  2. India ink is great for making wood black. It dries fast and won't fade, making it a sturdy choice for darker finishes.
  3. Finishing with wax can add a nice shine to the wood. It doesn’t change the color, but it gives the surface a smooth and polished look.

Hysteresis: The Reason Wood Movement Ain’t Such a Big Deal

The American Peasant • 2335 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🪑 Design Furniture Craftsmanship Woodworking Sustainability Materials
  1. Wood can swell and shrink, but it often moves less than expected due to something called hysteresis. This means you might worry too much about how much your wood will move.
  2. Using flexible glues and ductile nails can help furniture withstand wood movement over time. These materials allow parts to adjust without falling apart.
  3. Many traditional furniture designs were made with wood movement in mind. This means older pieces often handle changes in humidity better than you might think.

What's the deal with magnetic fields?

lcamtuf’s thing • 4897 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🔬 Science Physics Electromagnetism Electricity Materials
  1. Electric fields are easy to understand because they involve the forces between charged particles, like how magnets attract or repel each other. This basic concept helps explain how electricity works in circuits.
  2. Magnetic fields can be confusing because they seem separate from electric fields, but they are connected through the concept of relativity. When things move, their distances and timings can change, affecting how we see electric and magnetic effects.
  3. Understanding that moving charges create magnetic fields helps simplify the whole idea. It's all about how motion changes our perspective on distance and forces between charges.

A 15-minute intro to resin casting

lcamtuf’s thing • 4693 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Manufacturing Prototyping DIY Materials
  1. Resin casting involves making a mold and pouring liquid plastic into it. This method allows you to create exact replicas of items, capturing all their details.
  2. Compared to 3D printing, resin casting can produce stronger and more durable parts. It also gives a finer finish since the liquid can fill every tiny detail of the mold.
  3. The process includes making a flexible mold from silicone, applying a release agent, and carefully pouring in the resin. It's important to manage air bubbles for the best results.
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Building a phosphorescence detector

lcamtuf’s thing • 2652 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🔬 Science Physics Engineering Research Technology Materials
  1. There isn't much information available on natural phosphorescence, so creating a detector can help explore its presence in everyday items.
  2. The device design prioritizes speed and sensitivity to detect phosphorescence briefly brought out by UV light, using specific electronics like photodiodes and amplifiers.
  3. Experimenting with common household materials showed that some items, like powdered milk and natural ruby, exhibit weak phosphorescence, although many other items didn't show any notable glow.

The Technological Revolution that could Supercharge the World's Batteries

Material World • 1783 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Batteries Innovation Electronics Materials Engineering
  1. Silicon carbon batteries are exciting because they can store more energy and charge faster than regular graphite batteries. This means better battery life for smartphones and even electric cars.
  2. The challenge with silicon anodes is that they swell a lot when charging, which can damage the battery. Scientists are working to find ways to manage this problem.
  3. While silicon is promising, it's still a new technology and can be expensive. For now, it's often used alongside traditional materials to improve battery performance.

The Story of Titanium

Construction Physics • 26933 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🔬 Science Materials Research Engineering Manufacturing Medical
  1. Titanium is abundant in the earth's crust but took time to be utilized due to its bonding properties.
  2. The development of titanium as an industrial material was heavily supported by government research and funding.
  3. The story of titanium showcases the importance of serendipity in scientific discoveries and the critical role of manufacturing in technology advancement.

The Scoop On The High Sport Dupe | Part One

Total Rec • 2696 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Materials
  1. The expensive High Sport pants are a favorite among fashion insiders, offering a comfortable yet structured design.
  2. Finding the right fit can be challenging with these pants, requiring adjustments and considerations.
  3. Exploring dupe options from brands like Ann Mashburn, SPANX, and Banana Republic can lead to more affordable alternatives with varying levels of quality and fit.

#8 Compact Design

Mountain Labs Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 13 Sep 24
🪑 Design Product Design User Experience Sustainability Materials Prototyping
  1. Compact design can be very complex, as it needs to use every bit of space wisely. Creating a small air quality monitor involved three design revisions and a lot of thought.
  2. The design process involves trial and error. Each version of the product had its own challenges, whether it was durability, assembly, or size balance.
  3. Choosing materials is important for the final product. Different types of wood can affect how the product looks and feels, and the design might need tweaks for the manufacturing process.

3.4.6 Permittivity & Permeability

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🔬 Science Physics Electromagnetism Materials Energy Theory
  1. Permittivity describes how a material can allow electric displacement, showing the relationship between electric field and displacement. It helps us understand how electric forces behave in different materials.
  2. Permeability relates to how materials respond to magnetic fields, defining the strength of magnetic interactions. It helps in understanding the magnetic forces within various materials.
  3. Both permittivity and permeability are key concepts that link electrical physics and mechanical physics. They provide important information about how electric and magnetic fields interact with materials.

A short brainstorm on niobium

Intercalation Station • 779 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🔬 Science Materials Chemistry
  1. Niobium is a versatile material with unique properties like superconductivity and strength.
  2. Thermal runaway in batteries can be analyzed and mitigated using tools like differential scanning calorimetry.
  3. 90% of niobium is used in steelmaking, but it has potential in battery technology for durability and fast charging.

What the What?

Nova Terra News • 279 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🔬 Science Innovation Materials Construction Energy Sustainability
  1. Nova Terra's EcoBlox are sustainable building blocks that are free of cement, fireproof, and made from waste materials.
  2. The EcoBlox are 4x stronger than traditional adobe, climate-friendly, mold-resistant, and earthquake-resistant.
  3. The production of EcoBlox involves using sand and clay fines from rock quarries, and the company is collaborating with partners like NREL and West Gate for innovation.

Age of Invention: Unsung Materials

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 1072 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History Industrial Revolution Inventions Materials Patents
  1. The history of various industries from the period 1550-1650 is often overlooked.
  2. There were significant advancements in industries like iron, stockings and silk, saltpetre, glass, brass, and manure during this time.
  3. Exploring the development of these industries can provide insights into key historical innovations and societal changes.

O-Day - Wormhole

Remote View • 216 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🔬 Science Physics Archaeology Chemistry Astronomy Materials
  1. The presentation shared experimental evidence about the operation of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
  2. Macro photography gave a first look at the sample and detailed study of the disruption zone.
  3. Speculation was made about the use of iron as a possible fuel, along with other metals, in a related process.

61 – A book about sustainable ceramics

Ceramics Now Weekly • 157 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Ceramics Artists Exhibitions Techniques Materials
  1. Yuliya Makliuk's book 'Potters Save the World' focuses on sustainable ceramics and environmental responsibility.
  2. Ceramics Now Weekly #61 features new artists and the latest news in the ceramic world.
  3. Various ceramic events, exhibitions, and discussions are happening worldwide, offering opportunities for artists to showcase their work and engage with the community.

LK-99 red flags and other miscellany

Dan Elton's Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🔬 Science Materials Replication Theory Prediction Markets
  1. Potential red flags in scientific research include institutional names, graph quality, and suspicious videos or websites.
  2. Impurities like copper sulfide and uneven copper doping can lead to erroneous results in material studies.
  3. The LK-99 incident highlighted the importance of skepticism, replication, and the limitations of prediction markets and theoretical studies.

Eco-Inspired Fonts, and Turning Scallop Shell Waste into Innovative Materials

Green Graphic Design • 58 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🪑 Design Fonts Sustainability Recycling Materials Creative
  1. Discovering inspiring eco-themed fonts can add a unique touch to design projects.
  2. Repurposing scallop shells into helmets for fishermen showcases innovative recycling solutions.
  3. Localized recycling initiatives can have a significant positive impact on specific communities and environmental sustainability.

Making Money From Lignin

The Polymerist • 215 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🔬 Science Chemistry Biotechnology Materials Enzymes
  1. Lignin can be a valuable source of aromatic structures for creating synthetic polymers and other materials.
  2. MetGen's enzyme-based technology allows for efficient depolymerization and refining of lignin in alkaline conditions.
  3. MetGen's advancements in lignin processing could make it a viable alternative to petroleum-based feedstocks for creating chemicals and materials.

Transmission line explorations - deeper investigations

Only Wonder Knows • 39 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Electronics Manufacturing Materials Simulation Engineering
  1. Establish a close relationship with the PCB manufacturer to discuss concerns and ask for expected ranges.
  2. Consider ordering a PCB carefully as design complexity increases, requiring more aspects to be taken into account.
  3. Copper roughness, dielectric materials, and DK uniformity are crucial factors to consider in PCB design for high-speed signals.

Shloop is The Sustainable Footwear Manufacturer of The Future

Warming Up to Climate Tech • 39 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Sustainability Manufacturing Materials Brands Retail
  1. Shloop manufactures sustainable footwear using algae-based materials to fight climate change.
  2. The company aims to revolutionize the footwear industry by integrating sustainable materials and advanced recycling processes.
  3. Shloop focuses on providing transparent and sustainable products to footwear brands at a fair price, offering smaller batch runs and prototyping services.

Under pressure

Norman’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Materials Design Tools
  1. Different materials like copper, stainless steel, and plastic are commonly used for plumbing espresso machines under pressure.
  2. Copper is popular but challenging to work with, stainless steel and plastic are alternatives with their own advantages.
  3. Factors like ease of assembly, cost, and durability should be considered when selecting plumbing materials for espresso machines.

Some Notes On the MiSeq Flowcell

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🔬 Science Instruments Construction Materials Measurements Research
  1. The MiSeq flowcell consists of a plastic outer shell with a glass flowcell that clips open and closed.
  2. Measurements indicate a cover glass thickness of around 150um and a 100um channel height on a 1mm substrate.
  3. Unlike other flowcells, the MiSeq uses an all glass construction bonded with optical bonding material and borosilicate glass apertures.

Bamboo & Fungi in the Digital Age

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🔬 Science Technology Environment Biology Materials Sustainability
  1. Bamboo, fungi, DNA, and organic molecules may play a vital role in our survival and growth in the digital age by being integrated into digital technologies.
  2. Using natural materials like bamboo and mycelium in digital technologies can lead to decreased reliance on rare earth materials and reduced environmental impact.
  3. The future of digital technologies may involve embedding information in molecules, utilizing the efficiency of nature, and integrating organic materials for innovative advancements.

We are as gods

Kvetch • 50 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Engineering Manufacturing Innovation Materials History
  1. The evolution of technology has allowed for incredible precision and complexity, such as the growth of jet engine blades from a single crystal of metal.
  2. The history of precision engineering is intertwined with the rise of different nations, from Britain to America to Japan.
  3. Advancements in engineering have led to mind-blowing feats, like printing transistors at atomic scales using extreme ultraviolet radiation.

Links #4

Splitting Infinity • 19 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🔬 Science Technology Research Innovation Materials Algorithms
  1. Featured topics include a New State Solution for Israel and Palestine, companies in technology, and innovations throughout history.
  2. Specialized teams can offer higher-quality and healthier food efficiently than home cooking, potentially changing kitchen dynamics.
  3. Research highlights advancements in electron beams, extreme bandit problem solutions, and potential uses of superoscillation technologies.

Transmission line explorations

Only Wonder Knows • 19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology PCB Design Materials Manufacturing
  1. When designing for high speeds, it's important to investigate the terrain, understand the influencing factors, and make informed decisions.
  2. For differential transmission lines, attention to impedance match and signal attenuation is crucial for maintaining signal integrity.
  3. Factors like coupling effects, dielectric thickness, solder mask, copper thickness, and material choice all play key roles in high-speed design outcomes.

NextSeq 550 Flowcell Notes

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research Instruments Materials Optics
  1. NextSeq 550 flowcell has a unique design where the gasket sits on the flowcell interface and the glass is thicker than other instruments, possibly for stability.
  2. The flowcell glass thickness is surprising and might impact the imaging process, requiring specific optics designed for it.
  3. The material of the channel spacer in the flowcell is unknown, leading to curiosity about its composition and potential patent research.

Startup Dive: Sakuu

Intercalation Station • 19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🕹 Technology 3D Printing Batteries Innovation Materials Research
  1. Sakuu, a startup, is merging with Plum Acquisition Corp. I in Q3 2023, making it the third SPAC this year.
  2. Sakuu, founded in 2017, has raised over $50m in funding and partnered with companies to develop 3D-printed batteries.
  3. 3D printing technology like Kavian by Sakuu is being used to manufacture solid-state batteries, with potential challenges and opportunities.

Data-Driven Design: Breaching the Boundaries of Creation

Anima Mundi • 20 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Design Manufacturing Innovation Data-driven Materials
  1. Data-driven design is revolutionizing manufacturing by partnering with nature and using intricate data.
  2. To fully realize the potential of advanced manufacturing techniques, tools and platforms need to be developed to enhance and integrate with them.
  3. DDMM combines data and design to create innovative, intelligent, and precise outcomes in the realm of material discovery and manufacturing.

#37 How to deal with clients that don't pay (Medieval style)

Design Lobster • 39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 20
🪑 Design Art Materials Inspiration
  1. Difficult clients are common for designers, dealing with unhelpful feedback and late payments. Consider using design to creatively address disputes.
  2. Materials can communicate exclusivity and prestige, like with silver medallions for Vauxhall Gardens season tickets. Think about how materials or graphics can convey messages in design.
  3. Details are crucial in design. The small elements make up the entire design, showcasing how big ideas translate into intricate details.