Established
A chemical circuit in an alkaline cell
Zinc metal and manganese dioxide occupy different roles in a familiar portable source of electrical energy.
HISTORY · PEOPLE · APPLICATIONS
Applications
The chemistry inside everyday objects, living systems, advanced materials and space technology.
Energy
Specialized
A gadolinium chelate changes image contrast
Some MRI examinations use a gadolinium-containing molecular compound to alter the signal behavior that distinguishes structures within the body.
Established
A metal surface in contact with the body
Implant titanium combines controlled bulk material with a protective surface and a carefully evaluated device design.
Specialized
A small addition that changes how aluminum behaves
Fractions of a per cent of scandium form nanoscale particles that pin an aluminum alloy's grain structure, which matters most where the metal has been melted and resolidified.
Established
A strong magnetic field in a compact material
Neodymium–iron–boron magnets connect alloy chemistry, grain structure and thermal limits to motors and generators.
Specialized
A window that light cannot pass but X-rays can
Beryllium foil holds a vacuum while letting soft X-rays through, because absorption falls steeply with atomic number.
Established
A zinc coating that protects steel
Hot-dip galvanizing combines a physical barrier with electrochemical protection supplied by a consumable zinc coating.
Specialized
Alloys designed to melt
Bismuth's mixtures with lead, tin, indium and cadmium melt far below any of the pure metals, which makes them useful precisely because they fail at a known temperature.
Established
An element with no stable isotope, used daily in hospitals
Technetium-99m is made on site from a molybdenum generator, emits a gamma photon well matched to a camera, and decays fast enough to limit dose.
Established
An iridium tip survives repeated sparks
A small iridium-alloy electrode lets a spark plug combine a fine firing tip with durability in a combustion engine.
Established
Calcium silicates make concrete bind
Cement transforms calcium-bearing minerals into a reactive powder whose hydration binds sand and stone into concrete.
Established
Chlorine protects water on its journey
Managed chlorine chemistry helps water utilities inactivate microbes during treatment and maintain protection as water travels through distribution pipes.