Choosing the right packaging material depends on various factors such as the product being packaged, budget, marketing angle, and message. The type and size of the product dictate the material used, while the message and branding influence the choice of eco-friendly or luxurious materials. The choice of packaging material to use is personal and depends […]
To ensure workplace safety, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to evaluate risks from various sources. Four areas must be examined: workspaces, operating parameters, worker experience, and personal problems. Safety materials include literature, ER equipment, prevention gear, communications equipment, and industry-specific mitigation supplies. A matrix of risk areas against types of safety material can help identify […]
Choosing the best building materials for a home can be challenging. Manufacturers offer products that meet practicality, affordability, good looks, and energy efficiency criteria. Consulting with professionals and choosing sustainable, quality materials can save energy costs in the long run. Selecting the best building materials for your home can be difficult. People use all sorts […]
Steel is a versatile building material valued for its strength, durability, and ease of recycling. Raw materials for steel include iron, carbon, and various metals, with limestone and silicon added to remove impurities and make the steel more workable. A blast furnace is used to prepare pure metal from the ore, with oxygen injected to […]
Laser cutting uses a high-power laser to cut, drill or engrave materials with precision and cleanliness. Suitable materials include plastics, metals, ceramics, foam, wood, textiles, rubber, paper, and leather. The process is computer-controlled and uses CO2, Nd, or Nd YAG lasers, each suitable for different materials. Laser cutting is a manufacturing process in which a […]
Green building materials are important in the construction industry and can save water, energy, and natural resources. Environmentally friendly options include fly ash concrete, cellulose insulation, cool roofs, and FSC certified reclaimed wood. In the construction industry, building materials that are energy efficient, sustainable, reusable and that help and do not harm the planet are […]
Heat insulating materials include asbestos, fiberglass insulation, and mineral wool. Less conventional materials include multilayer insulation, ceramic-based paints, and chemical films. Insulation can be used to keep heat away from an object or within a component to prevent damage. Asbestos, once widely used, is now limited due to health concerns. Fiberglass insulation works by trapping […]
Materials management is a process that ensures businesses have enough inventory to meet consumer demand. Tips include selecting quality suppliers, proper ordering processes, and implementing an inventory system. Accounting activities and employee positions are also important. Adequate suppliers and proper ordering processes are crucial, and accounting inventory systems handle financial aspects. Materials management can be […]
In 1916, a businessman shipped 15,000 bricks from Salt Lake City to Vernal, Utah using the US Postal Service due to high rail costs. The bricks were individually wrapped and packed in crates, costing 54 cents each. The USPS lost money on the shipments, but the bank in Vernal was completed and is now a […]
Pharmaceutical raw materials are used to make drugs and medicines. Inactive materials help form pills, while antibiotics treat infections. Vitamins treat deficiencies, and nucleic acids help treat viruses. Inactive ingredients include flavors, binders, and colorants. Vitamins can be made from chemicals or natural sources, while nucleic acid is often an analogue. Pharmaceutical raw materials are […]
Various methods of transportation, including trucks, trains, planes, and boats, can be used to transport hazardous waste, but all must be clearly labelled. Proper containers should be used, and logistics companies and transporters must be certified and knowledgeable about handling hazardous waste. Disposing of hazardous waste without professional assistance is illegal in most parts of […]
Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are controlled substances used for calibration, quality control, and related tasks. They are sold by scientific supply companies and stored in secure environments due to their hazardous nature. Access is restricted to specific personnel. Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are sample materials of known composition and other qualities that can be used […]
Various types of packaging are used for hazardous materials, including plastic bags, containers, chemical-resistant cartons, and rubber-sealed drums. Different packaging is used for storage, disposal, and transportation of hazardous materials, with heavy metal containers used for sewage and volatile waste transported in specially designed containers. Proper management is crucial to prevent contamination of water and […]
Thermoelectric materials can convert heat into electricity and vice versa. They are being used to harvest wasted heat energy from vehicles and create more efficient cooling devices. NASA uses them to power space probes. MIT is researching new, more efficient materials. The thermoelectric process is the direct conversion of heat into electricity and vice versa […]
Chemical raw materials are divided into three categories: raw compounds obtained from nature, industrial minerals, and inorganic compounds. Cellulose and lignin are commonly harvested from nature and used in various products. Popular industrial raw materials include quartz, petroleum, and minerals containing metals. Industrial chemicals are the most refined and include compounds such as ethylene and […]
Choosing plastic building materials involves selecting the appropriate material for the job. PVC is popular due to its moisture and sun resistance, while recycled plastics have minimal environmental impact. Care should be taken to choose sun-resistant plastics for outdoor use and to check building code requirements. Recycled plastic and rubber building materials are also available […]
Polymeric materials, including plastics and elastomers, can be made into biodegradable foam, renewable plastics, and even edible films. Shape memory polymers can change shape with temperature, electricity, or light. Ferroelectric polymers transfer heat when exposed to an electric field and could replace compressors in refrigeration. Recycling polymeric materials may not be cost-effective, but thermoplastic polymers […]
The term “sustainable” is often confusing, with different definitions. Most agree that it means using resources at a rate that won’t harm the environment for future generations. Fossil fuels are unsustainable, while renewable materials like corn can be sustainable if grown and harvested responsibly. Recyclable materials must also be biodegradable to be sustainable. Perfectly sustainable […]
Raw building materials are natural materials used in construction, including wood, rocks, ice, sand, mud, limestone, and straw. Wood is a common material but has drawbacks such as susceptibility to termites and fire. Other materials include rocks, ice for cold regions, and mud mixed with straw for natural temperature regulation. Raw building materials refer to […]
Sound insulation and sound absorption are often confused, but they serve different purposes. Soundproofing blocks sound from entering or leaving a space, while sound absorption improves sound quality in a room. Insulation and specialty windows can be added during construction, while acoustic foam or vinyl can be used in an existing structure. Plasterboard is the […]
