METAL – THE NEXT BIG FUEL?

According to a new report from researchers at McGill University, powdered metal fuels could be an effective replacement for the fossil fuels we currently rely on: coal, oil and natural gas. As well as providing an alternative energy source, powdered metals would significantly slash carbon emissions and environmental damage.

Not only do grains of powdered metal contain more energy per liter than any conventional fuel, but the fuel may be recyclable in some cases. By grinding the metal, the ratio between the surface area and volume of the grains is vastly increased – making a ‘better’ burning product.

However, it is important to note that the powder would not be a primary energy source like petroleum, but rather a storage medium for energy sources such as nuclear or hydroelectric power.

Whilst this technology may seem promising, there are considerable downsides in that: this method is currently not cost-competitive, and the investment in heavy mining equipment to obtain these metals would likely off-set any carbon saved in the actual burning of the metal. Additionally, developments in battery capacity and efficiency still lag behind, making it difficult for powdered metals to be used effectively as an alternative fuel source.

Despite this, the rapid pace of development and modern technology may mean that we see powdered metal as a viable energy alternative in the not-so-distant future!

Image: Stabilized flames of different metal powders burning with air, compared to a methane-air flame (Credit: Alternative Fuels Laboratory/McGill University)

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Now Even Babies Can Have Their Own “Espresso” Machine

I remember the first time I came across this shiny espresso machine that could freshly brew my own espresso at my very own home at any time of my day. It was fabulous and more importantly, effortless! Now even babies can have their own “espresso” machine the same way you brew your cup of morning joy out of your Nespresso (aided by George Cloney).

Nestlé introduced its premium BabyNes system, which prepare and deliver a hygienic, safe, easy and quick bottle for babies. The single-serve baby milk formula portions are sealed in capsules integrated with a microbiological filter that eliminates bacteria from the water. The bottle preparation takes place within the closed capsule which means it doesn’t have any contact with the machine or the user before going into the bottle.

The world’s first comprehensive state-of-the-art nutrition system for infants and toddlers, BabyNes, uses a patented technology to prepare the bottle with precisely the right dosage and temperature, at the push of a button, in less than one minute. The new baby formula system is an attempt to catch on the hotly competitive infant formula market. At the top ranking China appears as the biggest and fastest-growing formula market in the world with sales are rising more than 20 percent annually, compared with less than 4 percent in the U.S.

Nestlé’s infant formula, Good Start, accounts for 10% of the US market, ranked as top three brands, together with Mead Johnson Nutrition Co’s Enfamil (40% of the market), and Abbott Laboratories’ Similac (40%). The industry is rapidly consolidating and manufacturers are expanding their share of developing world markets as seen by Nestlé’s recent acquisition of Pfizer’s infant-nutrition business.

The high-tech BabyNes machine can be purchased for $287 and works with a range of six single-serving formula pods (purchased separately in packs of 26 for $56-$64), tailored for infants and young children up to the age of three years. Taking into consideration the baby’s evolving nutritional needs Nestlé customized four formulas to infants in their first year, and one formula for each of the following two years. The baby formula also is a perfect combination to when solid food is introduced to the infant’s diet.

Battling against organizations such as Baby Milk Action who raises campaigns against breastmilk substitutes, Nestlé said it supported WHO recommendations on breastfeeding for the six-month period and “continued breastfeeding thereafter for as long as possible”, according to The Guardian.

Shanghai Metal Corporation is specialized in producing aluminum foil that can be heat sealed to aluminum or aluminum-plastic mix containers, widely used in manufacturing infant milk formula pods. Aluminum foil has an excellent tight performance and a super dam-proof function, whilst non-poisonous, odorless and 100% recyclable.  To find out more, please visit our Website, WordPress, LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook  and Instagram. Or you could try our new mobile app by scanning our QR code. Moreover, we sell directly from Alibaba , EC21 and Tradekey.

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Source and pictures: lilsugar.com, theguardian.com, businessweek.com, nestle.com, Wikipedia, rookiemoms.com, clubdarwin.net, swankybaby.net, chicagobusiness.com, minyanville.com
Camilla G.//SMC Editor