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Chemistry / How Does Hydrodipping Work on a Chemical Level?

« on: 03/08/2016 17:36:21 »

My son is getting into cars and he recently shared with me some photos from a Tokyo Auto Show of a process called "hydrodipping". At first, I thought it was simply vinyl but it seems like it's more akin to a paint process using a chemical reaction to transfer a pattern onto a car part, like rims or a steering wheel. I'm still trying to figure it out myself so in case I didn't explain it properly, here's an article that somewhat details the process:

http://macautocollision.com/hydrodipping-offers-bold-new-customizing-solutions/

I think I grasp the mechanics of it but I was curious as to what actual chemical processes were happening to create the transfer. The point in the article to which I'm specifically referring: "An activating agent is then sprayed on the film’s surface that creates a chemical reaction transforming the graphic-emblazoned film into a liquid floating on the tank’s surface. This activator also releases a bonding agent that is crucial for the hydrodipping process." Any ideas?

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Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Do Fish Have Feelings?

« on: 30/12/2015 20:12:26 »

I recognize that this is speculative science but I was wondering if there was any evidence of fish displaying emotions? I've seen video of rays that seem to be in a state of play with humans. If anyone has any information on this, I'd be really interested to read it. Thanks!

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Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Can cookie-cutter sharks inflict fatal injuries on humans?

« on: 17/12/2015 18:19:21 »

I just read this article about the cookie-cutter shark that regards it almost comically for its diminutive size. Obviously, human interaction with the cookie-cutter shark is far from frequent, but if such interactions were actually common, how likely is it that a single cookie-cutter shark could actually inflict mortal damage on a swimmer? (Just to clarify, I abhor any mistreatment of sharks and only ask this as a curiosity since I found the tone of the article dismissive of what I would regard as significant damage).
 

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Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / What is the Benefit of Biofluorescence in Animals?

« on: 16/10/2015 17:56:27 »

I'm speaking strictly of "biofluorescence" here, not bioluminescence.

5

Technology / What Would You Like to See 3D Printed in Glass?

« on: 25/08/2015 17:42:40 »

Now that glass is being used as a medium in 3d printing, it seems the door's been thrown open on all manner of in innovations.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2015/08/25/why-being-able-to-3d-print-glass-objects-is-such-a-big-deal/

What would you want to see 3D printed in glass?

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Marine Science / Is space or sea exploration the better use of our resources?

« on: 20/08/2015 17:16:26 »

Which do you think is the more constructive use of our efforts and tax dollars - exploring the oceans or exploring space? I used to say that we shouldn't really begin on exploring space until we've figured out our own planet front to back but I was speaking from a place of ignorance. I'm not really sure which is more beneficial.

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Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution / Undiscovered Animals Greater Than 6-Feet in Size?

« on: 17/08/2015 19:58:08 »

What do you think is the probability that there are creatures on this planet greater than 6 feet in length that have yet to be discovered? It seems all new discoveries on land and water are of very small organisms. I've seen crackpot theories about megalodon but I was curious as to whether there's any logical belief that new species of 6-feet size or larger are still awaiting discovery. 

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The Environment / Are Plastic Roads a Feasible Solution to Dealing with Plastic Waste?

« on: 11/08/2015 19:29:50 »

I was reading this article about a proposed plastic road in Rotterdam:

http://www.paxonplastic.com/will-all-roads-lead-to-plastic-recycling-in-the-future/

I am curious as to whether this is really a decent means of treating plastic waste, mainly because I'm wondering what becomes of a road segment after its been sufficiently worn.

9

Technology / Injection Molding with Magnesium

« on: 06/08/2015 18:00:32 »

A company has devised a rapid injection molding technique that works with magnesium.

http://www.onlineamd.com/proto-labs-magnesium-injection-molding-080415.aspx#.VcOQrflVikp

From what I understand, this will allow the aerospace program to utilize the same material in prototyping stages that it would be using during manufacturing. I'd never heard of thixomolding before but most of my experience is in plastics.

10

Technology / What is a holoLens?

« on: 03/08/2015 19:41:27 »

This article's a bit late to my desk admittedly but I haven't seen any discussion about HoloLens on this forum yet. I feel like it's a bit premature to release it to the market without first sorting the limited perspective. I can't imagine I'd use it to much effect until that was made right.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2947632/microsoft-pitches-hololens-to-businesses-creating-3d-models.html

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The Environment / Why are Bio-Plastics scarce in manufacturing?

« on: 29/07/2015 17:21:19 »

I was just reading about Coca Cola's PlantBottle and I was wondering why bioplastics remain pretty rare in the manufacturing industries. Is it that the science is too new? I can't imagine it's too costly as it looks like Coca-Cola profited quite nicely from the switch to bioplastics. Maybe the start-up costs for going into bioplastics are too high? I'd have to also imagine there were products where bioplastics just can't facilitate the structural integrity needed at this stage in our understanding. I'd love to hear additional theories and/or facts.