Chemists at the University of Amsterdam (UvA; the Netherlands; www.uva.nl) have developed an autonomous chemical-synthesis robot with an integrated artificial-intelligence (AI)-driven machine learning unit. Dubbed “RoboChem,” the benchtop device can outperform a human chemist in terms of speed and accuracy,…
Spider silk protein generates significant development interest due to its unique combination of properties, including high toughness and strength, extensibility, biocompatibility, thermal stability and others. Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI; Troy, N.Y.; www.rpi.edu) have developed what is said to…
Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are a family of highly reactive gases that can be produced naturally, but largely result from fuel combustion (industrial combustion and automobile engines). In the environment, they are pollutants that react with volatile organic compounds in…
Incorporating silicon into the anodes of electric vehicle (EV) batteries can result in lighter and longer-range batteries. However, this process requires large volumes of silane (SiH4) gas, the vast majority of which is currently produced in China. Now, a new…
A new industry standard relating to the safe operation of electrical equipment can help manufacturers transition from an irregular maintenance schedule to a safer, more prescriptive regimen We used to need to change our motor oil every 3,000 miles. The…
Posidyne X-Class clutch brakes (photo) are suitable for incline conveyor applications because they provide precise positioning each cycle. They act as a holding brake so that materials never slide backward on the incline. The clutch brakes feature Oil Shear Technology,…
The Mobifreeze M 270 (photo) is said to be the first mobile battery-powered ultralow-temperature chest freezer. Valuable samples or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) can be safely stored and transported from –86 to –50°C. Natural refrigerants are used to provide active…
Stranded methane in waste streams and flare gases at remote processing sites is a promising untapped resource. Now, with a new modular technology, companies can take advantage of this hydrocarbon-containing stream while also reducing their methane emissions. M2X Energy (Rockledge,…
Improvements in energy efficiency, reliability and operational boundaries reduce emissions and cut costs Due to a demand to increase margins and meet sustainability and decarbonization targets, today’s chemical processors are seeking ways to improve energy efficiency and reliability while also…
Bio-Process Oils (photo) is a new family of blended, highly-refined biosynthetic base oils that maintain flexibility over a wider temperature range than petroleum-based products, making them suitable for use in many types of adhesives and sealants. Their extremely low volatility…