The hottest Materials Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

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.

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.

A short brainstorm on niobium

Intercalation Station • 766 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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Transmission line explorations

Only Wonder Knows • 19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Better Batteries With Bodi

The Polymerist • 1 HN point • 14 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Energy Materials Innovation Research Manufacturing
  1. Innovations in battery separators are crucial for energy storage technology to scale and meet the demand for renewable energy generation.
  2. Current lithium ion battery design faces safety issues like fires, and there is a need for better materials like thermally stable and flame retardant polymers.
  3. Companies like Bodi Energy are developing novel battery separators using polyimide fibers with unique ceramics to enhance safety, thermal stability, and ionic conductivity.

Magnets

Barn Lab • 0 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🔬 Science Physics Materials Engineering Electricity
  1. Magnets have two poles: north and south, which attract or repel each other.
  2. Magnetism in materials comes from aligned electron spins creating a magnetic field.
  3. Electricity flowing through conductive materials generates a magnetic field, essential for building motors and generators.