Tuesday, December 21, 2010

U.S. Department of Energy Report

The U.S. Department of Energy's report entitled "Critical Materials Strategy" published December 2010, is online.


If you are involved in materials science or energy, find the full report at
http://www.energy.gov/news/documents/criticalmaterialsstrategy.pdf

Table of Contents of the full text DOE report includes:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..6
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION..10
CHAPTER 2. USE OF KEY MATERIALS IN CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES..14
CHAPTER 3. HISTORICAL SUPPLY, DEMAND AND PRICES FOR THE KEY MATERIALS..27
CHAPTER 4. CURRENT DOE PROGRAMS..53
CHAPTER 5. OTHER U.S. GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS..58
CHAPTER 6. MATERIALS STRATEGIES FROM OTHER NATIONS..61
CHAPTER 7. SUPPLY AND DEMAND PROJECTIONS..69
CHAPTER 8. CRITICALITY ASSESSMENT..95
CHAPTER 9. PROGRAM AND POLICY DIRECTIONS..100
APPENDIX A: CRITICALITY ASSESSMENTS BY ELEMENT..111
APPENDIX B: MARKET SHARE ASSUMPTIONS AND MATERIAL CONTENT CALCULATION..127
APPENDIX C: 111TH CONGRESS RARE EARTHS AND CRITICAL MATERIALS LEGISLATION ..133
APPENDIX D: TREM CONFERENCE 2010 ADDRESS – ASSISTANT SECRETARY DAVID SANDALOW..140
APPENDIX E: U.S.–JAPAN ROUNDTABLE ON RARE EARTH ELEMENTS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AGENDA..146
APPENDIX F: TRANS-ATLANTIC WORKSHOP ON RARE EARTH ELEMENTS AND OTHER CRITICAL MATERIALS FOR A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE..149
APPENDIX G: ARPA-E WORKSHOP AGENDA

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Research

Fascinating new discovery while studying nature's models in regard to de-icing!

If you have any interest in de-icers or coatings read:

Harvard University's work on new de-icing methods based on nature:


"Breaking the ice before it begins."



There is no end to what a seemingly simple yet most complex, Lotus plant, having a superhydrophobic structure capable of repelling water droplets can teach us!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Publications from Rosa S. Raskin & Associates

I love the cover of the October 2010 issue of PPCJ:
Polymers Paint Colour Journal.

PPCJ and a companion journal, APCJ, include vivid color pictures and exquisite graphics. A beautiful photograph of trees and the title of the issue, "Natural world: Creative colours measure up", reflect the beauty of fall's color palate.

"Eye catching" is the subheading in PPCJ's Table of Contents where one can read the reference to my article entitled "Living Colour: Functional Pigments". The term "living" was so much on my mind when I wrote the article on pigment qualities as I had immediate family in the hospital. Survival, "living" was the issue of the day.

My family has done remarkably well. We had the best Thanksgiving ever. The world looks more colorful.

Thanks PPCJ, you are more than an "eye catching, informative, trade" journal to me --

You reflect life itself!


Friday, July 23, 2010

Unclaimed Funds

When browsing the web, don't forget to check unclaimed funds. Each time I enter surnames of family and friends, I find a list of persons I know having unclaimed monies from a variety of sources. Not all institutions report or forward unclaimed funds that are held by participating states but I have never searched the database without finding someone I know that has unclaimed funds.


If you enjoy "treasure hunting" start your free search at http://unclaimed.org/


You will be glad you did and so will your family and friends.

Happy hunting!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Social Networking Search Sites

There are many social networking search sites to check what is being said about companies, brands, people, and any topic of interest.

Some of the search sites list the names of persons who have searched for the company or brand most often, and comments are interpreted as positive or negative. The reach of the brand, sentiment, and/or passion may be included. Sites may check blogs, videos, conversations, or anything searchable on the web. One generally has a choice as to what to include. I suggest doing a broad search including all types of information at regular intervals to see what is out there.

Once you know who is talking about your brand you may chose to answer or have someone answer for you.

Want to know who is searching your company, brand, or what people are saying about your product? To be ready to reply in a timely manner, you need regularly scheduled updates on what is being said about your brand.

Many articles on searching social networking web sites are published on the web and more search sites will be created in the future. One rarely finds the same materials on the sites as some include the information sooner than others, some may delete if after a time period, and is no one comprehensive social search tool is available. Each site has its advantages. Many social networking "search" sites are free while others are fee-based.

If you do not have time to keep up with what is being said about your product or company, hire an information professional to do the search for you on a regular basis.

Of course I would be pleased if you "Keep Askin for Raskin" at rosa@raskinfo.com or call 440-461-4125 for help with your brand or any scientific or business research topic.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Automotive Coatings Article

My article entitled, Automotive Coatings: Innovation and Collaboration is published in the current, May 2010 issue of PPCJ: Polymers Paint Colour Journal, Volume 200,
Number 4548, on pp 24-26.

The picture of the honey bee is most relevant to the article -- read it and let me know if you agree?

Soon to be published, "Secrets of Marine Coatings," (PPCJ) "Biocides and Nature,"(PPCJ) and "Flame Retardants" (APCJ).

Did you miss my February article in APCJ on smart coatings, check it full text online in the
February/March 2010 issue of APCJ, pp 29-31 at http://www.asiapacificcoatingsjournal.com/

Thursday, April 15, 2010

An Exciting Week!

A most special "thank you" to Dr. Jackie Savoca, Executive Director of Coatings Research Group, Inc., CRGI, who inspired me to attend the incredible American Coatings Show in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I was surprised when an exhibitor asked me to autograph an article on smart coatings published in the February/March 2010, issue of the APCJ: Asia Pacific Coatings Journal.

I was pleased to meet the Senior Editor of PPCJ: Polymer Paints Colour Journal, Sue Tyler, at the international show in Charlotte.

While catching up on my email I read that the Library of Congress is digitizing all tweets since Twitter's inception in March 2006 -- see:

How Tweet It Is!: Library Acquires Entire Twitter Archive
April 14th, 2010 by Matt Raymond

As I catch up on tweets, I am viewing the tremendous cloud from the eruption of the volcano in Iceland on T.V., wonder how my new international and U.S. friends will get home from the show with many flights cancelled per volcanic ash, and continue to be in awe of the forces of nature.




Saturday, February 27, 2010

Home Sweet Home



Mom has an incredible memory, continues to help me with my research business, and remains an entrepreneur at almost 93 years young. Mom enjoys working in a garden as she has for over 40 years.

Perhaps a secret to longevity is loving and taking care of the home you live in, making your house a home, baking cherry pies from the cherries on your tree, growing your own vegetables and herbs, having wonderful neighbors, and belonging to an extended family of caring residents on a street such as Belrose Road. The residents created a park for the children and adults in the area called Oakville Park.

The slogan of the neighborhood, "make Oakville Park a reality," is a reality including activities for all ages. I still have my tea shirt, attended the pancake breakfasts supported by neighbors who care about and participate in numerous activities, and I did not live in Cleveland! It is incredible what a group of caring neighbors can accomplish!

Over the years I learned much from Mom's wonderful neighbors and their children. Today I found out about the grandfather that built Mom's house and the two granddaughters that lived in it. The custom cabinets, desks, and dressing tables made by the owner, a respected carpenter.

Every house has an interesting history. Original or long time owners have a story to tell. This is a best kept secret.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Nanocoatings

Are you interested in the technologies related to Harry Potter's invisibility cloak? Do you remember the space ship of the Klingons or have interest in smart coatings?

Want to know what type of paint hides more flaws? How does the lotus flower keep itself clean in the muddy waters where it grows? What country now leads the world in chemical patents?

Find the picture of the gecko and read our latest article published in the February/March, 2010
issue of the APCJ: Asia Pacific Coatings Journal, pp 29-31.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

News in Materials Science

As an expert researcher and information specialist, keeping up with the many facets of materials science is a most interesting challenge.

One of my favorite activities is to check the ASM International web site for the ASM Newswire at least once a week, if not every day, at http://asmcommunity.asminternational.org/portal/site/www/NewsArchive/

From carbon nanotube paint to prevent ice buildup on aircraft, to bacterial cellulose for artificial blood vessels, ASM's Newswire is one of my secrets to keep up with "what's new?"

The news titles link to the story for additional information, a time-saving feature.

I recently joined ASM International and look forward to networking with members!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Coupon Web Sites

The February 2010 issue of Website Magazine (websitemagazine.com) includes popular coupon web sites (per Compete.com) such as Coupons.com, RetailMeNot.com, CouponCabin.com, FatWallet.com, DealCatcher.com

Since I often do not have time to clip or print grocery coupons, but spend many hours on the web, I love the new feature of loading digital coupons to my supermarket loyalty card or possibly to my mobile phone.

For your research and information needs, Keep Askin for Raskin.

Google

Logging in at http://www.google.com/experimental allows you to participate in one Google experiment at a time. Have fun!

Have a research question? Rosa will find the information you need to succeed.
Keep Askin for Raskin

Social Media Resources

If you are interested in social media resources you might wish to check the free February 2010 issue of Website Magazine (websitemagazine.com).

Keep Askin for Raskin


Friday, January 8, 2010

Free Sample Search

Free sample search to selected companies interested in information specialist research services.

To win a search, email your topic to rosa@raskinfo.com by January 15, 2010. Include your email address, phone number, company name, and preferred time of day you wish to be called.

The search product may link to full text but will not include full text materials.

All communications regarding topics are confidential.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Energy Databases

Have you checked out ETDE, Energy Technology Data Exchange? As of today, January 4, 2010, the database includes over 4,277,000 records of which 281,000 include full text from over 90 countries.

ETDE was created in 1987 under the auspices of the International Energy Agency (IEA). ETDE's founding members include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.