Novel Monolithic Polymer-Based Material Helps Detect Toxins
Ultrathin Stearic Acid Films Grown on Liquid Mercury
Scientists from the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Harvard University, and Bar-Ilan University in Israel have grown ultrathin films made of organic molecules on the surface of liquid mercury. Their results were reported recently in Science.
Their findings showed a series of new molecular structures that could lead to novel applications in nanotechnology, which involves manipulating materials at the atomic scale.
Ultrathin films are becoming increasingly important for fast-developing applications, such as faster and smaller electronic and magnetic devices, advanced biotechnological membranes, and controlled drug release in the human body. The Brookhaven team is a leader in the field of liquid surface-supported film growth, with expertise gained over the past 20 years.
Films grown in solid surfaces tend to interlock with those of the substrate on a molecular level. This is not possible when films are grown on a liquid as the substrate is not ordered. This situation provides the ideal environment for studying the ultrathin states of matter without the complications of solid supports.
Their first experiments involved depositing nanometre thin layers of stearic acid (a wax-like material and common component of cell membranes) on liquid mercury. Stearic acid is insoluble is mercury and thus floats to the surface.
The researchers used x-rays from the National Synchotron Light source at Brookhaven and a unique instrument for tilting the x-rays to study the films.
The found that four distinct patterns were formed as the molecules were deposited on the surface. At the beginning, when there are few molecules, they tend to try and take up as much space as possible by lying on the surface. As the number of molecules increases, they form a second layer on top of the first.
As more molecules are deposited, they tilt upwards and eventually stand up to make more room for adjacent molecules. They stand up straight only when squeezed by other molecules. This allows dense packing in each layer.
The researchers believe that they may be able to control the film structure via the level of molecular coverage chosen.
These findings are unique. Previous studies performed on water have shown molecules only stand up on the surface.
They hope that future work will show that by growing other molecules on a liquid support, we will be able to control the size and properties of the respective films, and thus tailor them for different applications, such as nanoelectronics and nanosensor technology.
Third Quarter Operating Results for Cabot Corp
Fiscal Results
Cabot Corporation today announced net income of $41 million from continuing operations, or $0.55 per diluted common share, before a special charge of $3 million, net of tax, for the Company’s third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2001. In the same quarter last year, the Company reported $33 million, or $0.44 per diluted common share from continuing operations, before special items. Cabot reported operating profit of $60 million for the quarter before a special item, compared with $58 million for the same quarter of 2000.
Chemical Business
“Our Chemical Businesses continue to feel the effects of a weak global economy,†said Kennett F. Burnes, Cabot’s Chairman and CEO. “For the third consecutive quarter, we experienced lower volumes, especially in North America. Europe and South America also showed signs of weakness; however, we were pleased to see volume growth in Asia. The strength of the U.S. dollar further negatively impacted our results.†Despite poorer performances in many markets he was happy with the overall performance of the company given the tough economic climate.
He also went on to say that the tantalum business delivered higher volumes than expected, and met the stringent demands of our customers.
The Chemical Businesses reported an $18 million decline in operating profit over the same quarter last year. Weaker earnings were principally driven by lower volumes, which resulted from a decline in demand for carbon black and fumed silica, and an unfavourable foreign currency impact. Volume in the carbon black business decreased 9%, quarter over quarter, primarily resulting from lower demand in North America. “Our carbon black margins were somewhat stronger than last year and we experienced somewhat lower production costs,†commented Burnes. The Carbon Black business reported a decline in operating income of $10 million.
Fumed Metal Oxides Business
Cabot’s Fumed Metal Oxides business reported a $3 million decrease in operating profit for the quarter resulting from weaker volumes in its traditional businesses. “Overall, volumes in the FMO business are down 11%. The business has not experienced the growth we expected this year primarily due to the difficulties in the electronics sector,†Burnes commented, “and it has had to absorb the increased costs associated with the capacity expansions put in place in FY 2000.†Furthermore, the FMO business has faced strong pricing pressure in the niche markets, and higher energy and administrative costs.
“Whereas the performance of our Chemical Businesses has been disappointing,†Burnes commented, “the tantalum business again far exceeded even our own expectations with much higher volumes than expected.†CPM contributed an incremental $21 million in operating profit, quarter over quarter, resulting from higher prices and volumes, partially offset by higher raw materials costs. Revenues in the business were up 77%, driven by 11% higher average volumes, and 62% higher average prices. Total costs for the business were up by 48%, resulting principally from greater volumes and higher raw materials costs. “Although the electronics industry is facing a difficult operating environment, CPM has continued to experience strong demand for tantalum powder, wire and intermediate products.†Burnes continued. “We are extremely pleased at the ability of our team to be able to successfully execute its plans and meet the higher demands of the contracts put in place earlier this year.â€
Specialty Fluids Business
Cabot Specialty Fluids participated in eight completion applications, and one successful drill-in application of the Company’s cesium brine oilfield fluids during the third quarter. “We have received preliminary results from the three drill-in applications completed this year, and they are extremely positive,†Burnes continued. “Cesium formate improved drilling speed, minimized skin damage, and substantially improved flow rates. The product has been very successful, and we believe that we now are in a position to capture a percentage of the value created using cesium formate.†The Specialty Fluids business reported a decline of $1 million in operating profit, principally due to higher administrative costs.
Outlook
Burnes continued, “In this very difficult economic environment, we are very pleased with our third quarter financial results. Looking forward, however, it is likely that the Chemical Businesses will continue to struggle with the effects of the overall economic downturn. While the tantalum business delivered results above even our own expectations by achieving greater than expected volumes for two consecutive quarters, we expect these volumes to moderate in the third and fourth calendar quarters. At this time, we think CPM will generate as much as double the operating profit it made in fiscal year 2000. Despite the general economic environment, we continue to be confident in our ability to manage those factors that are in our control. The Company continues to make progress on the corporate and world-wide initiatives that it has undertaken, including the share repurchase program, the legal entity reorganization which resulted in a lower effective tax rate, and the company-wide enterprise resource planning initiative.”
SwRI Opens Materials Chemistry and Microencapsulation Facility
Southwest Research Instituteâ„¢ (SwRIâ„¢), a pioneer in microencapsulation technology, has opened a new 14,400 sq. ft. facility to enhance its capabilities in this and other areas of materials chemistry.
“This new facility enables us to expand our existing capabilities and offer improved service and capabilities to our clients,†said Dr. Michael MacNaughton, vice president of SwRI’s Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division. “This is an opportunity for us to meet a growing demand for microencapsulation and materials chemistry work.â€
The Institute has more than 50 years of experience in the microencapsulation of products for the pharmaceutical, agricultural, industrial, consumer goods, and food industries and has pioneered the development of new microencapsulation techniques. This process is used to mask taste, improve preservation, lengthen shelf life, and provide nutritional value. The new SwRI laboratories allow for larger scale-up in these areas.
“More microencapsulation technologies are available at SwRI than are available at any other site in the U.S. or abroad,†said Mary Marshall, director of SwRI’s Microcapsules, Coatings, and Polymers Department within the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division. “We employ diverse methods and coatings, and we can also handle custom encapsulation research and production.â€
The enhanced capability enables the Institute to expand its food and pharmaceutical work to handle cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) under the Food and Drug Administration. Also, the Institute is approved by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency to work with controlled substances.
The new facility includes a materials chemistry and synthesis laboratory, materials characterisation instrumentation, two polymer-processing rooms, and support functions in compliance with the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division ISO 9002 system.
The new facility also has a microencapsulation preparatory laboratory, a food laboratory, a food preparation room, a tableting and extrusion room, a cGMP spray dryer high bay room, two pharmaceutical cGMP laboratories, plus office space and a conference room.
RHI Refractories Holding Company to Restructure
RHI Refractories Holding Company, today announced a major restructuring plan. The restructure is aimed at reducing debt, increasing manufacturing efficiency and realigning the company’s core businesses: Harbison Walker Refractories Company, AP Green Industries and North American Refractories Company (NARCO). These business units produce high-grade ceramic refractories. The companies provide products and services for high-temperature applications in the iron and steel, cement and lime, non-ferrous metals, glass, environmental technology, energy and chemicals industries.
Due to the continuing financial crisis in the U.S. and the slump in the local steel industry, demand for refractory products has declined. Consequently, they are restructuring their core businesses to be as competitive as possible and to build a stronger foundation for future success in key markets.â€
As part of the restructure, NARCO, like other entities facing an overwhelming number of asbestos-related claims, today filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The petition was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Pittsburgh. NARCO is seeking court approval of a $20 million debtor in possession financing facility, which NARCO believes will provide adequate capital to meet its ongoing obligations to its customers, vendors and employees.
“In the case of NARCO, it is our hope that it will emerge after Chapter 11 reorganization as a financially stable company with improved prospects for future success,†Karhut, CEO of RHI said. “We are working closely with creditors to implement a court-approved business plan that will accomplish this goal.â€Â
The NARCO reorganization petition does not affect Harbison Walker or AP Green Industries, which are viable businesses that are less dependent on steel industry customers.Â
RHI Refractories Holding Company has 24 manufacturing facilities and 2,400 employees in the United States and Canada. As part of the restructure it envisages plant closures to reduce production capacity but could not elaborate on which plants would close. An announcement on this is expected in the near future.
“All facets of our operations are being carefully evaluated before final decisions are made,†Karhut said. “Our goal is to transform RHI Refractories Holding Company into a company that achieves maximum performance at every level of our operations. We’re confident that the restructuring will result in a financially stronger, more appropriately-sized and integrated business that will be more nimble in responding to changing market conditions and to key customers.â€
Karhut was optimistic about the future of the company with the additional funding enhancing the transformation of RHI Refractories Holding Company.
Increased use of Radiopharmaceuticals
Demand for radiopharmaceuticals produced by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) grew to record levels during the 2000-2001 financial year with a 13 per cent increase in sales. Most of the radiopharmaceuticals were produced from the operation of ANSTO’s HIFAR research reactor. The result confirms that applications of nuclear medicine are expanding, and that most Australians will use an ANSTO radiopharmaceutical product at some time in their lifetime for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.
Head of ANSTO Radiopharmaceuticals, Dr Stuart Carr, said that the continuing surge in radiopharmaceutical use underlined the case for the replacement research reactor that is to be constructed at Lucas Heights to commence operation in early 2006.
Dr Carr added that, “Clinical interest in better diagnostic imaging and more therapeutic applications also continues to grow. At the most recent international conference on nuclear medicine there was a 40 per cent increase on attendance for the previous year. A number of exciting treatments utilising short-lived radioactive isotopes are being trialed overseas, and the proposed new reactor will put Australia in the position to be able to offer the latest and best methods to combat cancer and other diseases.â€
ANSTO sends radiopharmaceuticals to 200 medical centres across Australia and exports them to more than ten other countries, including New Zealand, South Korea and China.
As well as producing radiopharmaceuticals, ANSTO’s reactor produces isotopes for industrial and environmental applications, such as manufacturing process controls and tracing the movements of sediments and sand.
Hydro to Offload Oleochemicals Division
Norsk Hydro, the Norwegian oil and energy, light metals and agrigroup, has signed an agreement with OLEON NV that OLEON will acquire Hydro’s wholly owned subsidiary Hydro Oleochemicals AS (HOC). HOC is the most important producer of oleochemicals in Scandinavia and one of the biggest European producers of special esters for cosmetics. The divestment fits with Hydro’s strategy to focus on core activities within its business areas, and is part of the still ongoing Agri Turnaround process. The turnaround has more than achieved its goals, and the divestment of Hydro Oleochemicals is one of the last remaining elements before project completion at the end of 2001.
HOC is located in Sandefjord, Norway and has a production capacity of approximately 40000 tonnes per year of fatty acids and their derivatives. The company has 110 employees.
OLEON, the former oleochemicals division of Atofina/TotalFinaElf, has specialised in converting natural fats and oils into a wide range of oleochemical products that are combining high performance with particular environment friendliness. The company is established in Ertvelde, has two factory sites in Flanders, a sales office in Diegem and six foreign branches. The group is one of the main players in its industry and is aiming for further growth. The acquisition of HOC is part of this strategy.
The agreement will now be submitted to the competent public authorities for approval. The actual transfer of activities is foreseen to take place at the end of the year.
High Speed Polyester Fibres
Polyester fibres can now be spun much faster thanks to a plastic additive developed by German chemical company Rohm, in conjunction with plant engineers Lurgi Zimmer. Currently pure polyester crystallises when production speeds exceed 3,200 metres per minute, but when the new methacrylate-based additive is fed into the melt stream crystallisation is delayed so that rates of 5,000 metres per minute can be achieved, while still providing the desired properties. The new threads can be further processed just like conventional polyester yarns, and with an annual production of several millions of tonnes of fibres the new additive has enormous market potential.
Frontier Carbon Corp. to Produce Fullerene in Commercial Quantities
Plans were announced today for the first large-scale production of carbon clusters known as fullerenes, discovered in 1985 but never before available in commercial quantities.
Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation said they will make fullerenes available in quantity beginning in early 2002 under a new joint venture to be known as Frontier Carbon Corporation. Mass production, anticipated to reach 1,500 tons a year by 2004, will permit fullerenes to be bought at prices 10 to 100 times lower than those currently prevailing.
Until now, availability and cost have been major obstacles to the industrial use of fullerenes, the unique properties and potential applications of which have long been known. Nearly 2,000 patents already exist for a broad range of pharmaceutical, electronic and other commercial applications, including anticancer and anti-HIV therapies, drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, drug delivery systems, and cosmetic preparations that retard the aging of skin.
Industrial applications awaiting the availability of low-cost fullerenes include superconductive materials, electrochemical systems, polymer and metal nano-composites, electrolyte separation membranes for fuel cells, gas storage and separation membranes, longer cell-life lithium ion batteries, highly functionalised coatings and ultra-fine crystalline artificial diamonds for drilling and industrial polishing.
This unprecedented mass production process will use the basic material patent of fullerenes owned by Fullerenes International Corporation*, flame-based technology developed and patented by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), combined with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation’s patented process systems engineering technologies and fullerenes separation processes.
“This is a significant milestone for the development of nanotechnology and science,” said Mikio Sasaki, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Corporation. “Mass production of fullerenes resulting in a significant cost reduction will enable hundreds of existing patent applications to bloom in the near future.” Sasaki has been directly overseeing the fullerenes business of Mitsubishi Corporation since 1993.
“This is truly an historic step, with worldwide implications,” commented Dr. George Stephanopoulos, Arthur D. Little Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who has been a technical adviser to Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and last year was named the company’s Chief Technology Officer.
“Essentially, these two companies, through their joint venture, are making this enormously promising new material available in quantity and at low cost for the very first time. This will be immediately beneficial to a number of major industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, energy and materials-oriented companies.
“Just as the discovery of fullerenes opened up a new field of chemistry, the applications that will now be made possible open up endless opportunities for new products, new processes and new medical therapies, including developments in such critical areas as cancer and AIDS,” noted Dr. Stephanopoulos.
Research on potential applications for fullerene carbon clusters began at Mitsubishi Corporation in 1993. Mr. Sasaki said, “I distinctly remember the first time a member of my staff presented me with fullerenes. It struck me that fullerenes could be a revolutionary material with enormous potential.”
Mitsubishi Corporation has marketed fullerenes and initiated joint research on the use of fullerenes with several manufactures over the years. In 1999, Mitsubishi Corporation established FIC to acquire and manage the patents for the development and commercialisation of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, including the MIT patent (through Nano-C LLC, the exclusive licensee of the MIT patent) for its flame-based technology.
The new joint venture with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation reflects a convergence of the business strategies of the two companies, both upstream (patent position and commercial-scale production) and downstream (development and commercialisation of fullerene-based applications). It will combine the scientific and production technology and marketing capabilities of both companies.
The joint venture also represents the first major investment by Nanotech Partners, the world’s first nanotechnology investment fund specialising in fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. The investment was first announced by Mitsubishi Corporation at the International Fullerene Workshop last February in Tokyo.
Fullerene carbon clusters - in which carbon atoms are arranged in closed shells - attracted major attention in the scientific community when they were discovered by British and American researchers in 1985. They received wider public attention in 1996 when the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to the three researchers, Robert F. Curl Jr. and Richard E. Smalley of Rice University (US) and Sir Harold Kroto of the University of Sussex (UK).
Fatigue Testing Equipment for Adhesive Joints Under Controlled Environments
A servo-hydraulic fatigue machine combined with an environmental test chamber and remote climate conditioning unit has been designed by MERL for the development of a new standard environmental durability test for adhesive systems used in bonded automotive structures. The fatigue machine accommodates several test piece geometries allowing modes I and II, and mixed mode loading of adhesive joints.
Full commercialization of the equipment and standardization of the test method is being performed within the LTD-BAMS EC Fifth Framework Programme, co-ordinated by MERL.