Brick Tiles - Introduction
The term ‘brick’ refer to a solid unit composed of clay, formed into a rectangular prism and fired in a kiln. Two basic categories of bricks are fired and non-fired bricks.
Thin-fired clay units, commonly known as brick tiles were first developed in the 1950s as a way to replace existing construction but have since gained increasing popularity in the present building industry because they have the aesthetics of traditional bricks masonry with the economic benefits that are realized in using thinner tiles.
How are Brick Tiles Produced
Normally brick tiles are 50% - 60% by weight silica (sand), 20% - 30% by weight alumina (clay) and the remaining ingredients of lime, iron oxide and magnesia.
To manufacture the bricks, sand is added to raw clay to reduce shrinkage. The clay is first grounded and mixed with water to the desired consistency. The clay paste is then pressed into moulds with a hydraulic press or cut into desired thickness by a wall of wires .
The shaped tiles are then dried and fired at 900 to 1000 degrees centigrade to achieve strength , hardness and its final appearance. Although bricks come in many dimensions, brick tiles are generally only 11-13 mm in thickness.
Characteristics of Brick Tiles
The colours of a brick tile are influenced usually by the chemical and mineral contents of the raw materials, the firing temperature and the atmosphere in the kiln.
Bricks may be pink due to iron contents or yellow due to higher lime content. Most brick tiles will burn to various signature red hues as the temperature is increased.
Brick tinting to change the colours to blend in with the surrounding masonry may be performed as also glaze may be applied to make the tiles more impervious or to give them an ornamental surface.
The correct brick tile for a job can be selected from a choice of colours, surface texture, weight, density, absorption structure ,thermal & moisture characteristic and fire resistance.
Advantages of Brick Tiles
Some of the advantages of brick tiles when compared with other light-weighted cladding systems are as follows:
Light weight - Imparts lesser load to a building, giving foundation and more support for the finished structure. Installation is faster and easier with less labour needed.
Economical – They have great potential for space saving since their thickness is 1/3 of other brick walls.
Security - Brick’s superior chemical stability makes it flame retardant, smokeless, low-carbon, durable, weather and impact resistant such as abuse and vandalism .It is also acid proof and has anti bacterial qualities.
Comfort - Brick’s natural high thermal mass results in low temperature changes, making an enclosed area where it is used cool and well ventilated. It is both energy saving and environmentally friendly. It has excellent acoustic insulation, thus reducing noise.
Brick tiles are particularly suitable for interior and exterior wall decoration of family home, luxury apartments, office buildings, shops, restaurants, hospitals and especially for high-rise building.
They are in fact Nature’s best material to protect humans against Nature’s worst elements: the sun, rain and wind, at the same time retaining Nature’s rustic beauty’
Modern day brick tiles are produced in many shapes and colors as seen below to offer more variety to architecture and interior designs.


D60 solvent is produced from petroleum-based raw materials which are treated with hydrogen in the
presence of a catalyst to produce a low odor, low aromatic hydrocarbon solvent.
The major components include normal paraffins, isoparaffins, and cycloparaffins.
CAS No.: 64742-47-8 Chemical Name: Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated light
CAS No.: 64742-48-9 Chemical Name: Hydrocarbons, C10-C13, n-alkanes, isoalkanes, cyclics, <2% aromatics
Exxsol D60 Fluid is a solvent used in industrial and professional applications such as manufacturing process
solvent, metal working, and coatings. It is not sold directly to the public for general consumer uses. This
product may be an ingredient in consumer and commercial applications which may include:
Metal working solvents, Architectural, construction and traffic marking coatings
3. Physical / Chemical Properties
D60 solvent is a combustible material and should be handled only with adequate ventilation and in
areas without any ignition source present (e.g. no open flames, static electricity sources, or unprotected light
The flash point for this product is approximately 143ºF / 62ºC.


OPPEIN formaldehyde-free added substrate material has been awarded NAF formaldehyde-free added exemption certification by California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Earlier, OPPEIN has obtained NAF formaldehyde-free added exemption certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). OPPEIN formaldehyde-free added substrate material has become one of the few environmentally friendly substrate material in the custom home industry that has obtained dual certification.
Tested by domestic authoritative institutions, the formaldehyde emission of OPPEIN aldehydefreeadded substrate material is less than 0.005mg/m³, which is close to zero, with the leading edge.
OPPEIN took the lead of the industry to comprehensively upgrade the environmental protection level of substrate material without aldehydes and reduced the terminal price. The era of the high environmental premium is gone.


Watercolor painting is a captivating art form that has captured the hearts of both amateur and professional artists alike. Known for its delicate yet vibrant hues and unique blending capabilities, watercolor continues to grow in popularity.
Watercolor paint is primarily composed of pigments, binders, and additives. Pigments provide color, binders (typically gum arabic) help the pigments adhere to the painting surface, and additives enhance the paint’s performance, such as improving flow, stability, or resistance to mold.
In this article, we aim to delve deeper into the world of watercolor by exploring its composition and manufacturing process. By understanding the ingredients and methods behind watercolor paints, you can further appreciate and elevate your own watercolor creations.
What is Watercolor Made Of? – Key Ingredients
Watercolor is a versatile and expressive medium, consisting primarily of three key components: pigments, binders, and additives.
Each of these components plays a crucial role in creating the unique characteristics of watercolor paints, and understanding their functions can enhance your artistic endeavors.
Pigments are the heart of watercolor paints, providing the rich, vibrant colors that bring life to any artwork.
Derived from natural sources, such as minerals or organic materials, or created synthetically in laboratories, pigments give watercolor its hue and tinting strength.
Some common examples of pigments include ultramarine blue (derived from the mineral lapis lazuli), burnt sienna (from natural iron oxide), and quinacridone (a synthetic organic pigment).
Pigments can vary widely in terms of color, transparency, and lightfastness (resistance to fading when exposed to light).
As a result, artists often choose pigments based on their specific needs and desired effects.
Binders are the second essential component of watercolor paints, responsible for holding the pigments together and allowing them to adhere to the painting surface.
The most common binder used in watercolor is gum arabic, a natural substance derived from the hardened sap of acacia trees.
Gum arabic is favored for its ability to create a transparent and water-soluble paint film that allows the pigments to shine through.
When mixed with water, gum arabic dissolves easily, enabling the artist to achieve smooth, flowing washes of color.
Moreover, gum arabic helps maintain the stability of the paint, preventing the pigments from separating or clumping together.
Additives, while not always present in watercolor paints, can be used to modify the paint’s properties and improve its performance.
Some additives are included to enhance the flow of the paint, allowing it to spread more smoothly on the paper.
These additives, known as wetting agents or surfactants, can also help the pigments to disperse evenly, resulting in a more uniform application of color.
Another type of additive, called humectants, helps to keep the paint moist and workable, preventing it from drying out too quickly.
This is particularly useful when working with watercolors in pans or half-pans, as it allows the paint to remain usable for longer periods.
Other additives, such as preservatives, may be added to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria, ensuring the longevity and quality of the paint.
Differences In Composition and Applications of Various Types of Watercolors
The world of watercolors is vast and diverse, with various types and formats catering to different artistic needs and preferences.
Each type of watercolor has its unique properties and applications, offering a wide range of creative possibilities.
I’ve written a whole article on What Is So Unique About Watercolors?. Do check it out!
a. Traditional or pan watercolors: These are the most common format, typically found in small, dry cakes housed in plastic or metal palettes. They have a high pigment concentration and are activated with water. Their portability and ease of use make them popular among artists of all levels.
b. Tube watercolors: They come in soft, moist form, and have a buttery consistency. They contain a higher amount of binder and are often favored by professional artists for their intense colors and easy mixing. Tube watercolors are great for creating large washes and can be easily re-wet if they dry on the palette.
c. Liquid watercolors: These are highly concentrated, fluid pigments that come in small bottles. They offer brilliant, transparent colors and can be easily diluted with water. Their fluid nature makes them perfect for calligraphy, illustration, and loose, expressive washes.
I recently wrote an article on whether liquid watercolors are good or not. You’ll dive deep into the world of liquid watercolors!
d. Watercolor pencils: They combine the precision of colored pencils with the versatility of watercolors. The water-soluble pigments are encased in a wooden barrel, and can be used dry or activated with water to create beautiful washes. They are ideal for detailed work and mixed media projects.
e. Watercolor markers: They have a water-based ink that can be blended and diluted with water, just like traditional watercolors. They offer the convenience of a marker and are perfect for quick sketches, urban sketching, and illustration.
f. Watercolor sheets: These are innovative, pre-saturated sheets of watercolor pigment that can be used by adding water. They are lightweight, portable, and perfect for artists on-the-go.
g. Watercolor sticks: These are solid sticks of pigment that can be used both wet and dry. They offer the same high-quality pigments as traditional watercolors, with the added benefit of a more tactile, expressive application.
h. Gouache: Gouache is an opaque watercolor medium, containing more pigment and a higher amount of binder. This results in a more matte, flat finish compared to the transparent, luminous quality of traditional watercolors. Gouache is popular for illustration and design work.
i. Inktense pencils: These have a unique, ink-like formula that becomes permanent when dry. They offer vibrant, intense colors that can be used on various surfaces, including fabric, making them versatile and popular among mixed media artists.
j. Water-soluble crayons: They have a soft, creamy texture and can be blended or diluted with water for a watercolor effect. They are perfect for expressive, mixed media work and can be used on a variety of surfaces.
k. Water-soluble oil pastels: They offer the buttery feel of traditional oil pastels with the added benefit of water solubility. They can be blended with water for a smooth, painterly effect and are ideal for artists looking to combine the richness of oil pastels with the versatility of watercolors.
l. Metallic watercolors: They contain special pigments that create a shimmering, reflective effect. They can be used to add a touch of sparkle to watercolor paintings and are popular for embellishing calligraphy, hand lettering, and illustration.
The Manufacturing Process of Watercolor Paints
The manufacturing process of watercolor paints involves a series of meticulous steps to ensure the production of high-quality, consistent, and vibrant colors.
This process can be divided into three main stages: pigment preparation, mixing and milling, and forming and packaging.
1. Pigment preparation
Pigment preparation is the first step in creating watercolor paints. Pigments are carefully selected based on their color, transparency, and lightfastness properties.
Natural pigments, derived from minerals or organic materials, are often ground into a fine powder. Synthetic pigments, created in laboratories, are also available in various hues and qualities.
Once the pigments are chosen, they must be processed to remove any impurities or unwanted substances.
This may involve washing, drying, and additional grinding to ensure a consistent, high-quality pigment powder.
2. Mixing and milling
The next stage in the manufacturing process is mixing and milling.
The finely ground pigments are combined with binders, typically gum arabic, which help the pigments adhere to the painting surface and maintain their structure.
Additives, such as wetting agents, humectants, or preservatives, may also be incorporated to enhance the paint’s performance and stability. The ingredients are mixed together to form a thick paste.
Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is milled to disperse the pigments evenly and create a smooth, homogeneous paint.
Milling can be performed using traditional stone mills or modern steel roller mills.
During this process, the pigment particles are broken down further, ensuring even distribution and improving the paint’s overall consistency.
The milling process may be repeated several times to achieve the desired level of dispersion and smoothness.
3. Forming and packaging
The final stage in the production of watercolor paints is forming and packaging. The paint’s format—whether it be pan, tube, liquid, or another form—determines the specific procedures involved.
For pan watercolors, the milled paint is poured into individual pans or half-pans and allowed to air dry for several weeks. The drying process may be accelerated by using a low-temperature oven.
Once dry, the pans are inspected for quality, labeled, and packaged into sets or sold individually.
For tube watercolors, the milled paint is mixed with a small amount of humectant to maintain its moisture content.
The paint is then filled into collapsible metal or plastic tubes using specialized machinery. The tubes are sealed, labeled, and packaged for sale.
Liquid watercolors are bottled directly after milling, with the consistency adjusted as needed. The bottles are then sealed, labeled, and packaged.
Other formats, such as watercolor pencils, markers, or sticks, involve unique forming and packaging methods specific to their design.
The manufacturing process of watercolor paints requires careful attention to detail and stringent quality control measures to ensure a consistent, high-quality product.
From pigment preparation to forming and packaging, each step contributes to the creation of vibrant, expressive watercolors that enable artists to bring their visions to life.
Pigments Used in Watercolor
Watercolor paints owe their vibrant hues and diverse color palettes to the pigments used in their production. These pigments can be divided into two main categories: natural and synthetic.
Understanding the origins, properties, and performance of these pigments can help artists make informed decisions when selecting their watercolor paints.
Natural pigments have been used in artistic mediums for centuries, originating from various sources such as minerals, rocks, and plants.
These pigments often boast unique characteristics, making them highly sought after by artists. Some common natural pigments include:
- Ultramarine blue: which is derived from the semi-precious mineral lapis lazuli. This pigment produces a rich, deep blue color that has been prized by artists since ancient times.
- Burnt sienna: sourced from natural iron oxide, is a warm, reddish-brown pigment popular for its versatility in creating earthy tones and shadows.
- Raw umber: also derived from iron oxide, is a dark brown pigment with a subtle green undertone, commonly used for landscape paintings and deepening other colors.
While natural pigments have their appeal, many modern watercolor paints utilize synthetic pigments.
Developed in laboratories, synthetic pigments offer a broader range of colors, improved consistency, and often better lightfastness.
These pigments are designed to mimic the properties of natural pigments or create entirely new hues. Examples of synthetic pigments include:
- Quinacridone: a family of organic pigments known for their bright, transparent colors and excellent lightfastness. They are available in a range of shades, from magenta to gold.
- Phthalocyanine: a group of synthetic pigments that produce intense, transparent blues and greens. These pigments are valued for their high tinting strength and lightfastness.
- Hansa yellow: a synthetic organic pigment that offers a range of lightfast, semi-transparent yellows, from lemon to deep gold.
Lightfastness and permanence are crucial factors to consider when choosing pigments for watercolor painting. Lightfastness refers to a pigment’s ability to resist fading or discoloration when exposed to light.
Permanence, on the other hand, describes a pigment’s overall durability, including its resistance to fading, darkening, or other alterations over time.
Artists often prioritize pigments with high lightfastness and permanence ratings to ensure the longevity and vibrancy of their artwork.
Many watercolor manufacturers use rating systems, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) scale or the Blue Wool scale, to communicate the lightfastness and permanence of their pigments.
These ratings help artists make informed choices when selecting paints that will best suit their needs and preferences.
We delved into the composition of watercolor paints, exploring the roles of pigments, binders, and additives.
We also discussed the various types of watercolors, including traditional, tube, and unique formats, highlighting their unique properties and applications.
Furthermore, we examined the manufacturing process, the importance of pigment selection, and the significance of lightfastness and permanence.
The world of watercolor painting is vast and diverse, offering endless creative possibilities.
We encourage you to experiment with different types of watercolors and pigments, expanding your artistic horizons and discovering new ways to express yourself through this captivating medium.


Tuff Enuff Nails Linkage Protein Bonder Linkage is a protein bonder designed with an incredible ability to link to the keratin (protein & amino acids) found in the natural nail plate. Linkage creates a bonding to the natural nail by means of “Uni-layer Molecular Coupling”, which in simple terms means a molecule that joins two things. The Linkage molecules bond to the organic Keratin molecules in the natural nail plate, putting a protective layer over the entire natural nail allowing the nails to grow out naturally and healthy. The other side of the molecule is bonding to the component, gel/acrylic. With Linkage lifting is virtually eliminated.It contains absolutely no acid or damaging chemicals, and actually improves the health of the nail. You will be amazed at the perfect bond, and how it virtually eliminates lifting when the nails are properly prepped Make sure to always store Linkage properly as it will harden if left open! Spare bottles should be stored in the fridge. The lid must be kept tightly on when not in use. Also, try not to get it on the threads of the bottle or the cap will be extremely hard to remove.


TECHNICAL ATTRIBUTES AND BENEFITS
1. Tantalum carbide
Cutting tools for industry and medicine.
2. Lithium tantalate.
Surface acoustic wave (SAW), filters in mobile phones, high-fidelity sound equipment and televisions.
Clearer audio electronic wave signal and sharper video output.
3. Tantalum oxide
Digital cameras and mobile phones.
High level of refraction.
They can be thinner and smaller.
X-ray exposure is reduced and image quality is improved.
4. Tantalum powder: Tantalum capacitors for electronic circuits
Medical devices: hearing aids and pacemakers.
Automotive components: ABS, airbag, engine management, GPS.
Electronic devices: Computers, mobile phones, video cameras.
Other equipment: DVD, flat screen televisions, video game consoles, battery chargers, electric rectifiers, telephone antennas, oil well probes.
The capacitors have characteristics of high reliability and low failure rate, can withstand temperature ranges between 55 to + 200 ° C, are highly resistant to strong vibrations, small in size and with great electrical storage capacity.
5. Tantalum in sheets, ingots and tantalum plates
Chemical process equipment: lining, tanks, valves.
Glass-like performance corrosion resistance.
Cathodic protection systems for steel structures in bridges, water tanks etc.
Corrosion resistant fasteners: screws, nuts, bolts.
Rows in synthetic textile manufacturing.
6. Tantalum in sheets, plates, bars, wire cable
Human prosthetics: Hip joints, plates, skull, mesh to repair bone removed after cancer damage, suture clips, blood vessel stents.
Attack by body fluids is non-existent.
High temperature furnace linings.
Melting point is 2996 ° C, in a protective atmosphere or high vacuum.
7. Tantalum in ingots
Whites of Spray.
Applications of thin tantalum coatings, tantalum oxide, or semiconductor nitride coatings to prevent copper migration.
High temperature alloys for air and ground based turbines, disk motors, blades and vanes.
Alloy compositions containing 311% resistance to tantalum supply to corrosion by hot gases, allow for higher operating temperatures and therefore fuel economy and efficiency.
Computer hard drives or portable drives.
An alloy containing 6% tantalum has memory properties.
Explosive shell formation for TOW 2 missiles.
Balance of density and conformability that allows a lighter and more efficient system.


Have you ever wondered whether there is a difference between a high-end facial cream for $300 and a drugstore product for $30? Are expensive skincare products better and does it pay off to buy them?
I have done some research in this topic and I hope I can provide you with the answer to that question.
Are Expensive Skincare Products Better?
Some of the most expensive skincare products do contain really special ingredients like caviar but most of the ingredients that have anti-aging effects are same in both the cheap and the expensive products. Retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, squalene, matrixyl; those are proven ingredients and they are contained both in drugstore creams and in high-end skincare products.
What makes a big difference is the package. The expensive skincare products make an impression of luxury at first sight. The brand and skincare product name are in golden letters, packed and sealed meticulously and they look great.
Are There Different Ingredients?
Even big producers of cosmetic products admit that the difference between an expensive product and a cheaper one may be minimal. The biggest difference is usually the package. And good marketing. Watching a movie star promoting the product is a huge attracting factor because the perfect-looking woman makes us feel we will get the same look if we use that skincare product she promotes.
Regular Care Is What Counts Most
All dermatologist agree on one thing: regular care is what makes the difference between a good-looking complexion compared to skin that is not looked after. Regular skin care routine and the way you apply cosmetic products on your skin are essential. It is obvious: if you don’t use even the most expensive cream regularly, you are not going to see you any results.
When Does It Make Sense To Go For A High-end Product
In general, a luxury skincare product can make you feel special and that might make you want to use it more diligently on a regular basis. Then it is worth buying.
However, if you only look for the scientifically-based evidence regarding the ingredients, there is no need to go for a high-end product.
I would say there is equal chance that you will get a cream suitable for you from either category. I have tried many brands before I found one that seems to get along with my skin best. And it is at the low-end. I was really surprised that it was not more expensive regarding the fact it contained matrixyl, squalene, three essential oils and vitamin E, all very effective ingredients that help with the anti-aging battle. In addition, it’s hyper allergenic and fragrance free.
So if I were on a quest for a cream that would suit my skin best, I would search on the internet and look at the active ingredients in creams:
Vitamin E – it is an antioxidant. Its biochemical name is tocopherol so that’s what you should be looking for in the list of ingredients. A study with seventy-five adult Japanese volunteers with dark under-eye circles and wrinkles was performed applying a gel containing 2% phytonadione, 0.1% retinol, 0.1% vitamin C, and 0.1% vitamin E for 8 weeks. Results show fair or moderate reduction of dark under-eye circles and a slight improvement of wrinkles.
Squalane – an ingredient derived from plants such as olives and rice bran, amaranth seeds or wheat germ. Squalene with an “e” is produced by the body but our natural production of squalene slows after the age of 30. So it makes sense to add it to skincare products. What does squalane do? It seals moisture naturally. And that’s what we what, right? It also stimulates cells and promotes wound healing.
Matrixyl 3000 – is considered one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients. It contains an active ingredient known as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide which helps to stimulate new collagen growth, hyaluronic acid and elastin. Matrixyl 3000 is a peptide consisting of two proteins. It fights signs of aging helping your skin look more youthful.
Matrixyl 3000 also inhibits the damage caused by the effects of sugar on your skin and helps reverse the existing effects. So that’s definitely another ingredient you want to have in your skincare product!
Hyaluronic acid – also known as hyaluronan, this substance is naturally produced by your body and its natural property is to retain water. Hydrated skin reduces the appearance of wrinkles and it can also reduce redness and dermatitis. Reduction of wrinkles, that’s what you want! Moreover, it has inflammatory properties and promotes wound healing. So this is another ingredient you should look for in skincare products.
Retinol (vitamin A) – another ingredient that rewinds the signs of aging boosting collagen production and plumping out your skin. It also improves uneven tone and pigmentation. As a result, your skin is smoother, brighter and looks more youthful.
Retinol is the number one ingredient in skin care aimed at diminishing the signs of aging. Fine lines and wrinkles are significantly reduced with it. Fewer wrinkles, that’s what we all wish for!
Vitamin C – is a potent antioxidant that restores glow, evens out fine lines and acts as a barrier against stress – another powerful ingredient contributing to a more youthful complexion.
It protects against sun damage, pollution and environmental stress, as well as free radicals – damaged cells that contribute to aging on. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, protects the structure of your skin and promotes the production of collagen to keep it looking plump and firm. Another ingredient to look for when you are choosing your beauty product.
Niacinamide or vitamin B3 – is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin. According to Paula’s choice “helps visibly minimize enlarged pores, tighten lax pores, improve uneven complexion, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface.”
When used in high concentration, niacinamide can cause redness or irritation but it is very rare. After all, you can be allergic to any ingredient and there is no other way than trying it out.
There are many more ingredients that could be named here but the ones described above are really very effective in everyday skin care and it pays off to look at the composition of the cream you are going to buy very carefully.
These ingredients can be found in low-end drugstore products as well. After all, every person is different and you might experience an allergic reaction to ANY skincare product. An expensive one or a cheap one. You have to try it out.
So Is It worth It To Spend A Lot Of Money On A Face Cream?
“In my opinion, you really don’t need to spend a lot of money on fancy moisturizers,” Dr. Samer Jaber, of Washington Square Dermatology in New York City.
“When you’re getting a fancy, expensive moisturizer, you’re really paying for a couple things,” he explains. “You’re paying for the packaging, you’re paying for marketing, and then sometimes [expensive creams] have some proprietary ingredients or chemicals that are more rare and a little more expensive.”
What is your experience with expensive skincare products? Did you experience such awesome results as claimed by the movie stars who promote them?


Which type of artificial grass fiber fits your home?
Jan 10, 2024 | Artificial Grass for Homes
Ever wonder whether luscious, green artificial lawns are made of the same stuff as the putting green at your local mini-golf course? Believe it or not, there are quite a few different types of artificial grass fibers, each with its own unique properties. This article will explore the most common synthetic grass fibers, their pros and cons, and help determine the best fit for your home.
The main artificial grass fibers used today are nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on the application, traffic, and desired look and feel. While additional coatings and infill products help improve lifespan, odor resistance, and playability, the base fiber constitutes the bulk of the artificial turf product.
Let's take a closer look at each fiber type.
What is nylon fiber?
Nylon is a synthetic polymer that was first mass-produced in 1935. Nylon turf fibers are made through a process called polymerization. The nylon yarn consists of long chains of polyamides that give it a smooth, continuous filament. This material is then tufted into an artificial grass product with slit-film and monofilament manufacturing techniques.
What are the pros and cons of nylon for artificial grass?
Nylon artificial grass has several advantageous properties but also some distinct downsides.
On the positive side, nylon is highly resilient and can withstand a lot of foot traffic and activity. The nylon fibers bounce back upright after being stepped on or compressed. This ability to "spring back" minimizes the need for grooming or fluffing up flattened areas.
Nylon is also highly resistant to UV radiation from sunlight. It retains its color exceptionally well without fading or discoloration over time. This makes nylon a good choice for lawns in hot, sunny climates with high sun exposure.
However, there are some notable disadvantages to nylon grass. The stiffness of the fibers can cause "turf burn" abrasions to skin from sliding or activity on the lawn. Nylon is also semi-permeable, which allows it to absorb moisture and liquids to a certain degree. This can lead to odor issues from pet urine, spills, or excess rain.
Finally, nylon is one of the more expensive options for synthetic grass installation. While ideal for artificial grass putting green, nylon may not be the best choice for a lawn used by the family.
What is polyethylene?
Polyethylene is a synthetic plastic made from petroleum that has become a top choice for artificial grass blades.
This material has a soft, flexible texture that closely imitates real grass. Polyethylene blades have a natural curve and varied blade widths.
What are the pros and cons of polyethylene yarns?
Polyethylene is a top choice for artificial grass blades due to its many desirable properties.
This material has a soft, flexible texture that closely imitates the feel of real grass. Polyethylene blades have a natural curve and varied blade widths, giving the turf a realistic, lush appearance.
The result is synthetic grass that looks impressively like the real thing.
Polyethylene is also non-abrasive and gentle on the skin. Unlike stiff nylon fibers, polyethylene allows barefoot play and activity without irritation. Families with kids and pets will appreciate this comfort factor.
Additionally, polyethylene resists absorbing moisture, which helps control odors and bacterial growth from pets, spills, and rain. The non-porous nature prevents liquids from seeping and festering deep in the turf backing.
Its durability, vivid color tones, and true-to-life texture make it easy to see why polyethylene has become a top seller. Homeowners looking for artificial grass that mimics natural lawn grass will be pleased with the realistic aesthetics polyethylene offers.
While polyethylene has many benefits, it's not without flaws.
Polyethylene is susceptible to UV degradation when exposed to prolonged sunlight. The ultraviolet radiation can cause the fibers to become brittle and break down faster than more UV-resistant fibers. This can shorten the lifespan of a polyethylene grass installation.
In terms of resilience, polyethylene lacks the springiness of nylon turf. Under heavy foot traffic and activity, polyethylene blades will become matted down and compressed into a flattened, unnatural orientation. This requires more maintenance by brushing or fluffing the blades to restore their upright position. The matting and compaction will be especially noticeable in high-traffic areas.
So, while polyethylene closely replicates lush, natural grass, some homeowners may not want to deal with the extra care. This is where polypropylene steps in as a lower-cost, more carefree option.
What is polypropylene?
Polypropylene is a versatile synthetic plastic polymer that has become popular for manufacturing artificial grass blades.
Chemically, polypropylene consists of long-chain hydrocarbons made from the monomer propylene. The propylene molecules (C3H6) are assembled into a polypropylene polymer through chain-growth polymerization.
The result is a lightweight, flexible plastic material that can be produced in various grades and densities. During manufacturing, polypropylene pellets are melted and extruded into thin, grass-like fibers.
What are the pros and cons of polypropylene artificial grass?
Polypropylene as a synthetic turf fiber has some advantages, but also notable drawbacks.
On the positive side, polypropylene blades have a natural, soft, wispy texture that closely mimics real grass. The fibers are thin and flexible, providing a cushioned feel underfoot. Polypropylene is also highly resistant to absorbing moisture, which prevents issues with odors, bacteria, and damage from pet urine.
However, polypropylene lacks durability and resilience compared to other options. The soft fibers flatten readily under foot traffic and are slow to bounce back to their upright position. This can lead to matted, flattened areas that detract from the look of the lawn.
Polypropylene also degrades more quickly than nylon when exposed to sunlight and UV radiation. Unprotected polypropylene can become brittle and discolored after prolonged sun exposure. Manufacturers often add stabilizers to help, but polypropylene is still less UV-resistant overall.
Finally, while polypropylene is a very affordable synthetic grass fiber option, the lower cost comes with some performance tradeoffs. Homeowners need to weigh whether the softer feel and natural appearance outweigh the lack of resilience and shorter lifespan in areas of heavy activity.
So, in summary, polypropylene provides a lush, wispy texture at an economical price but requires care to maintain appearance.
How do nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene artificial grass fibers compare?
When comparing nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene turf fibers, there are some key differences in durability, appearance, feel, and cost.
In terms of durability, nylon is the longest-lasting fiber. The resilient nylon blades can bounce back from heavy foot traffic, pets, and play with minimal flattening or matting. This makes nylon a good choice for high traffic areas. Polyethylene is moderately durable, though not as crush-resistant as nylon. Polypropylene is the least durable option, as the soft thin blades flatten down more readily.
For a natural appearance, polyethylene looks the most like real grass, with its softness and varied blade widths. Nylon is stiffer and obviously artificial at a glance. Polypropylene can look quite realistic, though the thin blades may seem sparse in some products.
In terms of feel, polypropylene and polyethylene offer a much softer, more cushioned texture underfoot. Nylon is stiff and can be abrasive, causing "turf burn" rashes from activity. Polyethylene offers the most barefoot-friendly comfort.
UV and heat resistance also differ. Nylon withstands prolonged sun exposure and high temperatures best. Polypropylene degrades fastest in sunlight. Polyethylene falls in the middle for UV stability.
Finally, nylon is the most expensive material, requiring the highest investment upfront. Polypropylene is the most affordable while polyethylene lands in the mid-range for pricing.
Considering these differences can help you choose a suitable fiber.
How do you select the right synthetic turf fiber?
When selecting an artificial grass product for your home, remember your specific needs and priorities.
For high-traffic areas that will see a lot of foot traffic, playing, and activity, a very durable and resilient fiber is best. Nylon is the hardest, while polyethylene is a bit softer but handles moderate traffic well. Both bounce back to an upright position quickly after being stepped on or compressed.
In spaces used by pets, polyethylene or polypropylene are good choices to limit odors, as neither absorbs much moisture. Liquid waste drains through these fibers quickly rather than pooling on top. They are easy to clean and sanitize.
To mimic the look and feel of a lush, beautiful natural lawn, soft polyethylene is an ideal pick. The varied green blades and naturalistic textures perfectly resemble natural grass. The softness is also comfortable for kids and pets.
For homeowners on tight budgets, polypropylene is typically the most economical fiber option. The cost savings come with some tradeoffs in durability and resilience, but polypropylene still creates a decent-looking lawn. Expect to fluff or groom flattened areas occasionally.
Also, factor your local climate into the decision. For regions with very hot weather and intense sunlight, nylon and polyethylene with UV stabilizers will handle the sun exposure best. Polypropylene needs more shade in sweltering climates.
Finally, look at other factors like blade length and thatch density. But choosing the right base fiber starts your synthetic turf on the right foot.
With a range of synthetic fibers to choose from, you can find the perfect option to suit your home's unique needs and specifications.
Do your research, weigh the options, and make an informed artificial grass choice. Soon you’ll be hosting neighbors on your glamorous new lawn with pride.


Over 40 million Americans suffer from debilitating mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, insomnia and addictions. Based upon the most recent data collected from testing over 25,000 subjects, approximately 84% of the U.S. population suffers from neurotransmitter imbalances. Pharmaceutical intervention is often the first choice of treatment for many of these conditions. While temporarily helping individuals with mental illness, pharmaceuticals don’t often cure the underlying biochemical or physiological imbalance taking place. To attempt to get to the root cause of your mental illness, naturopathic physicians run a specialized laboratory test called a neurotransmitter test.
Neurotransmitter testing is a very simple, one-time urine collection (and/or saliva depending on the test) that provides great information about chemical messengers found in your brain and nervous system that contribute to feelings of pleasure, happiness and calmness. When neurotransmitter levels are balanced, individuals also have better attention/focus, increased memory, decreased pain, less frequent headaches, less cravings and normal gastrointestinal functioning. Neurotransmitter testing is a great first step to determine which specific neurotransmitters are imbalanced.
NEUROTRANSMITTERS AFFECT THE ENTIRE HUMAN BEING MENTALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND EMOTIONALLY.
Metabolism and weight
FACTORS THAT AFFECT NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Poor nutrition and chronic stress are the most important factors that lead to neurotransmitter imbalance. You need protein for proper amino acid development. A diet high in sugar and fast food does not provide the proper building blocks.
Our brain chemistry is directly dependent upon the nutrients we consume, the ability of our digestive tract to assimilate nutrients, the concentration of toxins consumed as well as the toxic metabolic byproducts of incomplete digestion. Our liver's ability to assemble biochemical building blocks required by the brain for its normal functionality is critical and may easily become undermined by carrying too high a toxic load.
Industrial cleaners, air and waste pollution and heavy metals are neurological toxins, which disrupt neurotransmission and destroy brain cells that contain the neurotransmitters.
There are different types of neurotransmitters, both excitatory and inhibitory. Excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate, epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine and beta-phenylethylamine (PEA), stimulate the nervous system and send out signals that are energizing, motivating and provide focus.
The major excitatory neurotransmitter
Plays essential role in motor behavior and secretion of pituitary hormones
EPINEPHRINE (Epi; Adrenaline)
NT and hormone essential for metabolism
Increases free fatty acids in blood as well as decreases insulin excretion
Most active in the awake sate and supports focused attention
Contributes to anxiety and its turnover increases during stress
Lower levels are commonly seen in those with depression
Derived from amino acid phenylalanine
Found to increase mental acuity and elevate mood
Involved in depression, ADHD, Schizophrenia and psychopathic behavior
On the contrary, inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin and glycine, slow down the nervous system and prevent signals from continuing, thus causing calming, relaxing and sleep inducing effects.
The major inhibitory neurotransmitter, occurring in 30-40% of all synapses
Deficiency is associated with anxiety and sleep-related problems
Synthesized from tryptophan and/or 5’-HTP
90% of serotonin is produced in the gut and exerts considerable influence on normal intestinal functionality
Involved in depression, compulsive disorders, anxiety, insomnia and migraines
Glutamine, dopamine and histamine are other neurotransmitter modulators.
Most prevalent amino acid in the body
Precursor to glutamate and GABA
Precursor to Epi and Norepi
Plays significant role in cognition and emotion
Has a role with cardiovascular, renal, CNS and hormones
Responsible for allergic reactions
Relevant in the control of sleep and wakefulness
Influences secretion of hormones from pituitary gland
SYMPTOMS LINKED TO NEUROTRANSMITTER IMBALANCES
Most common symptoms include…
Low serotonin levels, one or more elevated neurotransmitters and hormonal imbalances such as low melatonin or high cortisol are trends associated with sleep disturbances. For cases associated with insomnia, salivary cortisol will be tested in addition to neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters play a role in appetite control, fat storage, carbohydrate storage and metabolic rate
Overweight people are typically low in one or more of the following neurotransmitters: serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine
Serotonin plays a big role in appetite control. Low serotonin levels cause carbohydrate cravings. People with healthy serotonin levels typically do not crave carbohydrates.
Epinephrine plays a big role in fat metabolism. Low epinephrine levels do not allow the body to burn fat efficiently. People with healthy epinephrine levels typically have plenty of energy and lower body fat percentages.
Neurotransmitters also play a big role in the body’s energy levels- motivation, enthusiasm, stamina and cognitive function.
People who have low energy levels, are constantly fatigued or do not have any motivation are typically low in epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin and PEA.
Epinephrine plays a big role in energy and motivation. Low epinephrine is typically found low in sedentary people and higher in athletes.
PEA plays a big role in cognitive function. Low PEA levels are associated with brain fog and unclear thinking whereas adequate PEA levels allow the brain to process information quickly.
Other symptoms include depression, migraines, PMS, fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), ADD/ADHD, autism, anxiety, OCD and behavioral issues.
Please watch the following video if you will also be testing your neurotransmitters.


Last week was very productive for our group. We prepared four sets of samples using different concentrations of thiol and different incubation times. Each set was analyzed using FTIR and ellipsometry. We finally felt ourselves comfortable with conducting FTIR measurements and analyzing obtained spectra. The obtained spectra confirmed the successful formation of SAMs on our gold substrates. I also spent about six hours on measuring thicknesses of the SAM layers with the ellipsometer and was fairly confident in the validity of my measurements. The thicknesses were still lower than those found in articles, but they were similar in magnitude to the measurements done by another member of the lab before us.
We also spent a good portion of time on working on our poster and PowerPoint presentation that had to combine all our results for the final presentation and poster sessions during the final week.
What are our plans for the final week? We will probably spend some time on polishing our final assignments and preparing our oral presentation. I wish we could do more measurements, but we do not have time enough to complete a new piece of research and add the new results to our presentations.
All in all, this program was tremendously effective for me in terms of learning about surface chemistry, photonics, and some important sides of scientific research. I would highly recommend participation in this program to anyone interested in how science is made.


According to a study, Germany's daycare centers have above-average levels of hormonal pollutants. In the approximately 60 examined Kitas the quantity of the plasticizers is three times higher than in usual households, announced the federation for environment and nature protection Germany (BUND) on Tuesday in Berlin.
According to the information, the seven phthalates found can dramatically affect the endocrine system. In addition, the chemicals could cause infertility and increase the risk of breast and testicular cancer.
According to BUND, the reason for the high values is the frequent use of plasticizer products in daycare centers, including PVC floors, gym mats, plastic tablecloths or gymnastic balls. The 60 daycare centers nationwide had volunteered to analyze house dust. Two-thirds measured a higher overall burden than in normal households.
The phthalates DEHP and DINP were most frequently encountered. Not all daycare centers were affected to the same extent. While only 133 mg DEHP/kg were registered in the dust of the lowest-polluted daycare center, the total phthalate value in the highest-polluted daycare center was 21 mg DEHP/kg.700 mg/kg. According to the data, the intake of up to 0.05 mg DEHP per kilogram of body weight is safe. In one case, the value was 0.13. In total, this limit was exceeded in six Kitas.
The Federal Environment Agency generally advises against the use of phthalates in toys. Some of the substances are banned in principle in toys, including DEHP. Children are particularly at risk because their organs have not yet developed sufficiently, they said.


First combined hydrogen and petrol stations in China opened
Sinopec and Air Liquide have inaugurated two hydrogen stations in Shanghai
China Petroleum & Chemical and French company Air Liquide have opened two hydrogen stations. They are the West Shanghai Petrol and Hydrogen Fueling Station and Anzhi Gas and Hydrogen Fueling Station. According to the companies they are the first stations in China to provide combined commercial gas and hydrogen fuel services.
The two hydrogen stations are part of the first project jointly signed by Sinopec and Air Liquide.
Each is equipped with two gasoline tanks, two diesel tanks and four hydrogen tanks, as well as two 12-pump fuel dispensers, two four-pump 35MPa hydrogen dispensers and a reserved 70MPa hydrogen dispenser.
The stations have a daily capacity of 1,000 kilograms to serve public transportation, logistics and passenger vehicles. Each station can fuel 100 cars a day. A full tank can be provided in 4-6 minutes per vehicle, providing a driving distance of 300 to 400 kilometers (186.41-248.55 miles).
As with many projects in China, this is supported by the state, as part of the "Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Development Plan," and the scheme to develop a 'Hydrogen Corridor' in this critical area for China’s economy. The goal of the city is to complete 50 hydrogen stations by 2025. To achieve this, Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical will utilise the land from 580 existing gas stations to fast-track the introduction of a new generation national network of stations covering urban roads and highways.


Dr. Joseph V. Kurian, Technology & Business Development Manager – DuPont Performance Materials/ABS/EP, is the scientist behind Sorona®, an amazing new polymer that can make our clothing, carpets and other everyday products much more effective—and environmentally friendly. He is also a strong supporter of science education and The DuPont Challenge.
How would you describe your job and the work you do at DuPont?
I am a polymer scientist and technology leader. My current job entails providing technology and leadership in renewably sourced materials. The goal is to prepare new high performance materials from renewable feed-stocks, make the world less dependent on petroleum and thereby provide a much cleaner environment.
What are some examples of fibers?
There are natural and synthetic fibers. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, wool and silk. Polyester, nylon and spandex are examples of synthetic fibers. Fibers are essential to our life and we see them everywhere (clothing, carpets, upholstery, car interior, toys, parachutes, tires, etc.). There are specifically engineered fibers for each applications and markets.
How would you describe a polymer?
Polymers are large molecules that play an essential role in our everyday life. Polymer molecules are connected by chemical bonds. Poly means “many” and mer means “repeating unit.”
DNA and proteins are examples of biopolymers. A variety of natural polymers exist, such as cellulose, which is the main component of wood and paper. Synthetic polymers include: polyethylene, polystyrene, PVC, neoprene and nylon. Different types of polymers can be found in famous DuPont products such as Kevlar®, Nomex®, Teflon®, Tyvek®, Butacite® and Sorona®.
How did the Sorona® Polymer come about?
The preparation and commercialization of Sorona® Polymer took several years of dedicated research and development. The process of making a polymer is called polymerization. In case of Sorona®, it is called condensation polymerization. Polymer scientists can tailor molecules in their lab to introduce desirable properties in fiber and fabric form. This can be called “macromolecular engineering.”
What makes Sorona® different from other materials?
Sorona® is a highly versatile polymer that boasts properties such as softness, stretch and recovery, comfort wear, easy dyeability for vibrant colors and stain resistance to most stains. It offers several new properties and possibilities for garment makers. For example, Sorona® containing garments are unusually soft, wrinkle-free, provides good comfort fit and easy to clean. Carpets made with Sorona® offers permanent stain resistance, softness, and resilience, all important attributes to the floor covering market.
What kinds of products has Sorona been made into? What advantages do Sorona products have over similar products?
Sorona® is in textiles and garments, carpets, automotive interiors, various molded plastics for engineering components and in cosmetic packaging. There are unique advantages in each of these markets. In engineering components Sorona® provides better dimensional stability and strength whereas in cosmetic packaging improved surface gloss, scratch resistance and excellent resistance to solvents and chemicals.
What makes Sorona “sustainable” and good for the environment?
Sorona® is an excellent example of a sustainable high-value polymer. It takes less energy to prepare the polymer, releases less carbon dioxide to the environment, is free of heavy metals, can be manufactured and processed in existing equipments, and is easily recyclable.
One of the key ingredients, bio-PDO, is made from a renewable feedstock, thereby reducing the use of petroleum. It is estimated that about 10 million gallons of gasoline per year can be saved from the production of 100 million pounds of bio-PDO.
What do you see in the future for Sorona?
I see significant growth potential for Sorona® in coming years. This will also lead into the development of a new family of environmentally sustainable renewably sourced materials with broad market applications and impact to the society.
How did you first become interested in science,
and how did you start working in science as a career?
I became curious and interested in science from my childhood, playing with rubber balls made of natural rubber latex, and trying to understand how things work. I pursued biology and chemistry in my college days in India and then got interested in polymers and polymer engineering. Coming to America and studying polymer science at the University of Akron was a huge turning point in my career. Synthesis and characterization of a new family of new polymers at Professor Kennedy's lab at the University of Akron gave me the confidence to pursue a career in science.
My early days at GE Plastics and then at DuPont Nylon gave me hands on experience in industrial chemistry, large-scale polymer manufacturing experience and familiarity with fiber science, technology, and engineering. There are several teachers and mentors who helped and guided me along the way in my career. Science is a learning process and I keep learning from my colleagues and friends every day.
What is your favorite part about your job?
The most favorite part of my job is being a scientist and inventor. Using my science skills, I see an opportunity to help people, create high paying jobs and improve the quality of life for many people around the world.
What would you say to a student who is thinking about working in a science-related
Have the passion and believe in yourself. Keep pursuing your scientific dreams and goals. Stay abreast and keep trying something new every day. Success will come.
What do you think of The DuPont Challenge essay competition?
I have very high value for The DuPont Challenge. This is an excellent opportunity for students to think differently and familiarize themselves with emerging areas of science, technology and engineering and propose novel solutions. Simple participation in The DuPont Challenge alone can open their minds to a whole new world of amazing possibilities.
Why do you think The DuPont Challenge is important?
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math will continue to play a huge role in our nation's future. Our quality of life depends on our success in this area. There will be increased competition from countries around the world and it is absolutely critical that we encourage more students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
The DuPont Challenge is an excellent vehicle to introduce scientific concepts to a large number of students at an early age. We are instilling scientific ideas and curiosity in the minds of over 10,000 students each year through this Challenge alone.
DuPont is a Science Company and we understand the importance of Science to our future success.
Find more about:


Kourosh Kalantar-zadeh is a 2018 Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Fellow and a Professor of Chemical Engineering at UNSW, in Sydney. Formerly, he was a Distinguished Professor of Electronic Engineering at RMIT in Melbourne. Kalantar-zadeh is also the Director of the Centre for Advanced Solid and Liquid based Electronics and Optics (CASLEO) at UNSW. Kalantar-zadeh has coauthored nearly 400 research articles, reviews and books. He is a member of the editorial boards of journals including Applied Materials Today, ACS Applied Nano Materials, ACS Sensors, Advanced Materials Technologies, Nano-Micro Letters, and ACS Nano. Kalantar-zadeh is internationally recognised for his work on ingestible sensors, two dimensional semiconductors and liquid metals and has been awarded the 2017 IEEE Sensor Council Achievement Award and 2018 ACS Advances in Measurement Science Lectureship Award (Asia-Pacific region). Clarivate Analytics recognised Kalantar-zadeh as one of the most highly cited researchers in 2018.


Fuel Tank Cleaning Services
Is your fuel contaminated?
Are clogged filters leading to customer complaints of slow fuel delivery? Are you losing customers and sales because of fuel quality and fuel pumping problems?
Clogged filters can be replaced, but are often an indication of a larger problem: contaminated fuel and contaminated fuel storage tanks.
Let Refuel inspect your fuel tanks and recommend the level of service right for your situation.
Are you getting a temporary fix?
Replacing the filters may temporarily to fix the problem–until you get another fuel drop. This will stir up the sediment and particulates that have settled at the bottom of tank and mix it with the new fuel. The newly dropped, and now contaminated fuel will soon clog your filters again.
Many companies simply filter or “polish” your fuel and return it to your tanks. We go one step further. By cleaning your fuel tank with our patent-pending process, you’ll not only have cleaner fuel immediately, but it will stay cleaner longer.
Is your fuel tank really being cleaned or has the fuel just been polished?
Your tanks & and fuel will be returned to optimal quality. In the over 11 years we’ve been cleaning fuel tanks, we’ve never had to re-clean a properly maintained fuel tank after our service! Refuel’s process eliminates:
Our Fuel Tank Washing Difference
If fuel tanks are contaminated with water, sludge or bacteria, simply filtering the fuel without cleaning fuel tanks can quickly lead to the fuel becoming re-contaminated.
Refuel Environmental Services combines the art of fuel tank cleaning with the science of fuel polishing and filtering to bring your fuel and and your fuel storage tanks back to original specifications.
The Refuel Fuel Tank Washing Process, is our patent-pending, all-in-one solution that brings fuel back to optimal quality and removes tank contaminants in only a few hours!
Refuel is the Midwest’s leader utilizing our patent pending tank cleaning process.
Fuel Tank Cleaning Service
• For UST & AST
• Average time to service a tank is 3 1/2 hours.
• Only the tank being cleaned will be out of service.
• Requires only 2-3″ tank openings.
• No excavation.
• Fuel is transferred from the tank prior to cleaning.
• The interior of the tank is thoroughly cleaned using high-pressure wash & rinse heads.
• Solids & water are vacuum extracted from your underground fuel tank.
• Fuel is filtered to original specifications.
• Only clean, dry fuel is returned to tank.
• Refuel handles the wash-water disposal.


Divine Graphene™ fabric is a performance blend of graphene and spandex for superior stretch and auto-thermal regulation. Graphene is allotrope of carbon consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. Its an eco-friendly, sustainable solution found in WYLD1™ Quarter Zips.
Let's learn more about what makes Graphene a worthy SuperNatural Performance™ offering from WYLD1. Graphene is:
- The thinnest compound known at one atom thick
- The lightest material known
- The strongest material know
- The best conductor of heat at room temperature
- The best conductor of electricity
- Very flexible
Wow, thats a strong start! Carbon by mass, is one of the most abundant elements known in the universe. Its abundance makes it a potential great sustainable solution. However, it wasn't until 2012 that eco-friendly production of graphene was discovered by effectively separating graphene from a reusable metallic board which it is grown. This new process eliminated the toxic waste created from previous production options paving the pathway to sustainable Graphene applications.
There are also a variety of emerging eco-friendly Graphene production processes including using eucalyptus bark and tea leaves to extract in the synthesis of graphene sheets.
Graphene has huge potential to transform many areas due to versatility and superior properties. Significant global research is currently underway to understand how to utilize Graphene's power in batteries, water filters, energy, computers, DNA sequencing, electronic display screens, and textiles.
Enhanced Graphene textiles are just hitting the market and offer a number of incredible benefits including boosted thermal regulation, durability, self-cleaning, breathability, flexibility, protection, and tech integration. There is significant ongoing research and experimentation with Graphene use in textiles that will continue to push the boundaries on how this unique and all-powerful material could revolutionize future textiles.
We hope you are as excited as we were when learning about Graphene and now understand why it rightfully achieves Supernatural Performance™ standards for use in WYLD1™ gear.


Beet juice enhances athletic performance giving to the athletes an amount of nitrate in a natural food source
Runners have experimented with a broad array of aids in pursuit of a performance edge. A popular one today that seems safe and backed by solid data is the juice of beets, for the nitrates they contain.
Inorganic nitrate is added to cured and processed meats to extend their shelf life and give them their distinctive pink color. It’s also naturally found in spinach, arugula and beets. In the past decade, new evidence has suggested that the nitrate in these vegetables enhances athletic performance and may also increase cardiovascular health in old age.
The first clue came in 2007, when Swedish researchers reported that three days of sodium nitrate supplementation lowered the oxygen demand of nine cyclists and triathletes as they worked out, compared with a placebo of table salt. It also increased the blood plasma levels of nitrite, a byproduct of nitrate.
That study caught the eye of exercise physiologist Andrew Jones of the University of Exeter in England. Usually, the oxygen demand of exercise is fixed, he says, so for a short-term intervention to change that “was unusual.”
Although it wasn’t clear how nitrate was doing what it did, Jones knew that green leafy vegetables and beets were rich sources. So he conducted a study, reported in the Journal of Applied Physiology, giving eight men active in recreational sports an equivalent amount of nitrate in a natural food source like beet juice.
The volunteers consumed 500 ml (17 ounces) of beet juice every day for six days. Then, after a break of 10 days, the groups were switched around and drank another drink for an additional six days.
By the last three days of the six, nitrate concentration in the blood of those drinking beet juice was almost doubled and their systolic blood pressure (which measures the pressure in your blood vessels as your heart beats) fell by an average of 6 points. The oxygen cost — the amount of oxygen consumed — when they exercised on a stationary bicycle was reduced by 19 percent.
“When we asked them to continue to exercise to exhaustion, they were able to go longer,” recalls Jones, who co-wrote a review on dietary nitrates in the 2018 Annual Review of Nutrition.
From then on, research on beet juice, beet juice concentrates, whole beets and nitrate salts started to pour in.
Nitrate itself doesn’t do much in the body. It first has to be converted to nitric oxide, a gas with numerous physiological roles — in blood vessel dilation, muscle contraction and transmission of nerve signals, among others. People obtain that nitric oxide in two ways: either through the action of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase, which catalyzes the amino acid L-arginine to produce it, or from nitrate ingested in food.
posted Tuesday April 30th
by Rodrigo Pérez Ortega


3M Purification 400 Research Pky, Meriden, CT06450 3M Purification is a Meriden institution. The company designs and produces water and gas filtration and purification…More products for the health care and food and beverage industries as well as residential and industrial settings. Formerly known as Cuno, the company was founded by George Cuno in Meriden in 1912 and grew to international prominence in the water and gas filtration industry. Cuno was acquired by 3M in 2005. By joining forces, these two industrial giants are able to offer cutting-edge technology to clients worldwide.


REAL MCARTHUR PAW PAW , ALOE VERA LEAF JUICE, CONCENTRATE, CAMELIA OIL,COCONUT OIL, MACADAMIA OIL, SHEA BUTTER, QUANDONG
Hyaluronic Acid & 30% Paw Paw Face Cream - Natural and Organic Hydrating Face Cream
Our Unique Magnesium Face Cream may aid in the regulation of the activity of over 324 enzymes within the human body, reduce inflammation and help muscle function.
• Lightweight, luxurious moisturiser – ideal for use on all skin types and easily absorbed by the skin.
• Contains Real McArthur Paw Paw Extract providing beneficial enzymes which may help allow the skin to energise, repair and become smoother.
• The addition of Shea and Cocoa Butters adds extra moisturising abilities.
• Non-Irritating Cream with the soothing effects of Magnesium Chloride which may help stimulate the skin’s natural healing and regeneration.
• Contains Bio Hyaluronic Acid to help plump the skins elasticity with moisture allowing itself to repair also aiding with cell regeneration.
• Natural Aromatic Oils such as Ylang Ylang, Rose Geranium and Lavender are added to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.
• Rich with antioxidants (Chamomile and Kakadu Plum Extracts).
• Rich with vitamin E.
100% Natural Ingredients:
*Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Real McArthur Paw Paw Extract, *Camelia Oil, *Coconut Oil, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, *Macadamia Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, *Cocoa Butter, *Shea Butter, Sodium Levulinate/Sodium Anisate, Magnesium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Hyaluronic Acid, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Rose Geranium Essential Oil, Vitamin E - Natural, Lavender Essential Oil, Kakadu Plum Extract, Lilly Pilly Extract, Citric Acid.
* Indicates Certified Organic Ingredients.
Our Hyaluronic Acid & 30% Paw Paw Face Cream - Natural and Organic Hydrating Face Cream may help soothe and rejuvenate the appearance of the skin. It may also help to relieve redness and dryness of the skin.
Contains no added fragrance.
Contains 100% natural ingredients.
Contains no petrochemicals, parabens or added sulphates.
For best results use daily.
Smooth gently onto your face and neck using upward and outward movements, avoid contact with eyes.
For external use only.


Figuring out what’s causing your acne and how to treat it can be difficult, discouraging, and take a long time. When deciding which acne treatments to start for your skin, it’s important to go straight to the right sources—dermatologists! Here’s the best advice about acne treatments, straight from our doctors.
How to Treat Acne
Because there are so many different root causes of acne, there are many different treatments that can improve your complexion and keep breakouts at bay. From laser treatments to facials to even hormonal birth control pills, acne treatments aren’t limited to over-the-counter skincare products. However, these products are one of the most accessible and effective acne treatments for people dealing with acne, both minor and severe. Here are the main types of anti-acne skincare products and ingredients we recommend.
There is so much variety in chemical exfoliants that it’s no wonder most dermatologists across the US recommend chemical exfoliation over manual/physical exfoliation for the majority of their patients. This variety of chemical exfoliants shows there’s a fit for virtually every skin type.
If your skin is extremely sensitive, polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) might be best for you, as they’re some of the most gentle chemical exfoliants out there. If your skin needs a more robust exfoliant, then AHAs like glycolic acid or BHA might be best for you.
What exactly are chemical exfoliants? Essentially, chemists extract these exfoliants from natural substances, usually fruits, or they produce synthetic versions. These exfoliants are able to slough away dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and debris from your skin to reduce existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming.
Physical exfoliants, like salt crystals, ground up walnut shells, and microbeads, tend to be more abrasive and cause microtears in the skin. The abrasive nature of these exfoliants can smooth out the skin, but they are often too harsh for many sensitive skin types, causing irritation and weakening the skin’s barrier. The microtears often allow more bacteria and debris to find its way into your pores, causing more breakouts.
While a good scrub can feel relaxing and make your skin feel ultra-clean, dermatologists find the best acne treatments to contain chemical exfoliants instead. Here’s some of our favorite skincare products that contain chemical exfoliants.
What We Believe
With a holistic clinical approach, which involves first listening to patients concerns, we thoroughly diagnose and explain their individual treatment options.
Our Porefect Cleanser pairs 2% salicylic acid (BHA), and glycolic acid to gently unclog pores, remove impurities and even skin texture and tone—without stripping your skin. This unique combination of medical-grade, acne-fighting ingredients work to help regulate oil production and effectively clear problematic skin that is more sensitive to irritation. This gel formula is a great cleanser for oily complexions, but it doesn’t strip the natural ceramide barrier and dry out your skin.
Exfoliating your skin doesn’t have to be in the form of a cleanser, it can be in a leave-on treatment like a toner or serum. Our Gly/Sal Pads are similar to our Porefect Cleanser in that they also contain salicylic and glycolic acid, but the formula comes in convenient, easy-to-use pads to promote exfoliation, control oil, reduce breakouts and unclog pores. These pads help enhance skin clarity and are pH-balanced. Our Gly/Sal Pads also contain witch hazel for oil control as well as hydrating ingredients to nourish the skin barrier and prevent dryness from the exfoliants.
If you’re looking for something stronger, the Papaya Enzyme Peel from Doctor’s Daughter is a once-a-week acne treatment that deeply exfoliates the skin. While it helps with breakouts like the other products we mentioned, it goes above and beyond that to help your skin.
- Replaces dead skin cells with new, younger cells
- Evens out skin discoloration and texture
- Prevents signs of aging
- Brightens dull skin
- Unclogs pores
Like we mentioned before, acne has several different causes, so chemical exfoliation may not help depending on the root source of your acne. Perhaps a better acne treatment for you would be to target bacteria.
Unlike chemical exfoliants, benzoyl peroxide is a topical antiseptic that kills acne-causing bacteria. This ingredient works particularly well for inflammatory acne, which is characterized by red bumps that contain pus (pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules) rather than whiteheads and blackheads.
Like chemically exfoliating products, benzoyl peroxide comes in different strengths. If you’ve never used this ingredient before, start with the lowest percentage and then work your way up as needed. We have two different cleansers with this ingredient, one in 5% strength and one in 10% strength. Our Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Wash 5% provides antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes. This powerful acne-fighting treatment dries up pimples and blemishes while keeping the skin’s moisture and pH levels at the normal level. Benzoyl peroxide keeps future blemishes from forming, resulting in clearer skin over time.
Acne Treatments in Miami | Miami Center for Dermatology
Our dermatologists are here to help you achieve the skin of your dreams. Take a look at our other skincare acne treatments, and book an appointment with us today for a personalized consultation about your acne.


What is my surfboard made from?
Since the 1960’s surfboards have been constructed with one viable method, fiberglass, resin (PE) and foam (PU). This was adopted from the aviation sector but new materials have been explored over the last decade. Before fiberglass and foam surfboards were made from wood. Balsa wood being the easiest to work with but boards have been made from redwood and pine. The most popular surfboard construction on the market today is polystyrene resin, fiberglass and polyurethane blanks with a plywood stinger.
Here's a breakdown of the main materials used in surfboard construction:
- Foam Core: Most surfboards today use a foam core, which provides buoyancy and lightweight properties. The two main types of foam cores used are expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane (PU) foam. EPS foam is lighter and more buoyant, while PU foam is denser and has better flex properties.
- Fiberglass Cloth: Fiberglass is used to reinforce the foam core and provide strength to the surfboard. Fiberglass cloth is typically layered over the foam and laminated with resin. It comes in various weights and weaves, with heavier fiberglass providing more durability but adding weight to the board.
- Resin: Resin is used to bind the fiberglass layers together and create a hard shell around the foam core. Polyester resin and epoxy resin are the two main types used in surfboard construction. Polyester resin is more commonly used as it is less expensive, while epoxy resin offers higher strength and lighter weight.
- Stringer: A stringer is a thin strip of wood or composite material that runs through the center of the surfboard from nose to tail. It adds strength and helps control flex in the board.
- Fins: Fins are usually made of composite materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a combination of both. They are attached to the bottom of the surfboard and help with stability, maneuverability, and control.
It's worth noting that there are alternative materials and construction methods being explored in surfboard manufacturing, including bio-based foams, recycled materials, and sustainable resins, as the industry strives to reduce its environmental impact.
The use of carbon fiber, basalt and kevlar have been explored over this time and some shapers and manufacturers use these materials exclusively as a point of difference but also as they believe in the superiority of the product.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Butner, NC. September 4, 2020 — Congratulations to SGWASA Executive Director Scott Schroyer, Utilities Operations Director Fred Dancy and the dedicated SGWASA water treatment facility employees for once again achieving success in meeting the North Carolina Drinking Water Standards for Disinfection By Products (DBP). This marks not only 3 years without a DBP violation, but also 3 years of being among the best in the area in terms of DBP results.
To give our customers an idea of how SGWASA rates with others in our area, below are the 3rd quarter 2020 compliance test results. These results are compiled from the NC Drinking Water Watch website (https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/drinking-water/drinking-water-watch).
|Agency||Maximum Contaminant Level Allowed (MG/L)||3rd Quarter Value (MG/L)||Maximum Contaminant Level Allowed (MG/L)||3rd Quarter Value (MG/L)|
|City of Oxford||0.080||0.046||0.060||0.032|
|Kerr Lake Regional||0.080||0.054||0.060||0.038|
|City of Durham||0.080||0.041||0.060||0.031|
MG/L = Milligrams per Liter
What are DBP’s and TTHM’s?
DBP’s: Disinfection by-products (DBPs), also called trihalomethanes, are formed when chlorine and bromine interact with natural organic materials in water, such as in chlorinated drinking water and chlorine-treated swimming pools. DBPs can be found in the air during activities such as showering, bathing, dishwashing, and swimming. DBPs do not build up in the environment.
TTHM's: Trihalomethanes (THM) are a group of four chemicals that are formed along with other disinfection by products when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water. The EPA regulates total trihalomethanes at a maximum allowable annual average level of 80 parts per billion (0.080 MG/L).
SGWASA Executive Director Schroyer commented, “Consistently achieving low values quarter after quarter for the past three years to be in compliance with the EPA is excellent in terms of SGWASA providing quality drinking water to its customers.”
Thank you to everyone involved for keeping SGWASA among the best in our area.
Jimmy Gooch, SGWASA Board Chairman
Please stay up to date on this topic and other news topics by monitoring our website: www.sgwasa.org
Issued: 9/4/20 by the South Granville Water and Sewer Authority
Scott N. Schroyer, Executive Director


What is a Neostrata chemical peel?
At Honour Health, we use NeoStrata ProSystem – a highly effective, superficial peeling system that can only be used by medical skincare professionals, and that is clinically proven to achieve outstanding results in skincare.
The Neostrata ProSystem peeling system is a specific technique for skin renewal. It is used to help remove the top layer of damaged surface skin cells, revealing fresh skin cells that are smoother and brighter. The treatment also stimulates cell turnover and encourages collagen and elastin production in the deeper layers that plumps the skin.
Do Neostrata chemical peels hurt?
The biggest misconception about this treatment is that chemical peels will burn the skin, leaving it sore, red and painful. With Neostrata ProSystem peels, you only experience some tingling – nothing more. These rejuvenating superficial peels are even gentler than traditional scrubs.
What kind of acid is used?
The word ‘acid’ conjures up all sorts of images of burning skin – ouch! However, this is not the case with Neostrata chemical peels. They contain three alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs), which are naturally occurring ‘fruit acids’ found in fruits and other foods:
- Glycolic Acid is found naturally in sugar cane
- Citric Acid is found naturally in citrus fruits
- Mandelic acid found naturally in almonds
Many common skin problems are associated with the excess build up of dead skin cells that make the skin thick and dull, and may cause clogged pores. These AHAs help to loosen and remove these dead surface layers to exfoliate and smooth the skin.
At Honour Health, we introduce our patients to chemical peels with a rejuvenating 20% glycolic acid peel – and then step up the glycolic acid concentrations up to 35%, depending on the results our patients would like to achieve.
We also offer two targeted benefit peels, depending on the specific skin concerns our patients would like to address:
- The Clarifying Peel combines glycolic acid with mandelic acid and is designed for oily, acne prone skin
- The Brightening Peel combines glycolic acid with citric acid to help control the signs of pigmentation and sun damage
What happens during the treatment?
Your skin will be cleansed and prepared, and the Neostrata chemical peel will then be applied. You may experience a ‘tingling’ sensation while the peel is on your skin. Following this, the peel will be neutralised and aftercare products will be applied. We will also advise you about skincare products to use at home.
How will I look afterwards?
Neostrata chemical peels are simple treatments with generally little or no downtime, and are often called ‘lunchtime treatments’ because patients can return straight to work afterwards with a healthy glow. Initially, your skin may appear red or a little ‘flushed’ and feel a little tight and sensitive. These are normal and expected results. You may notice that your skin feels rough over the next couple of days due to enhanced exfoliation, and it will be especially sensitive to UV light, so it is important to avoid sun exposure and use SPF factor 50 sun protection.
What are the results?
A chemical peel regimen can help to:
- Diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Even skin tone
- Reduce pore size
- Improve skin tone and texture
- Reduce the appearance of blemishes
- Reduce the appearance of oily skin
- Soften shallow acne scars
- Increase skin glow or radiance
- Help the skin appear healthier, plumper and firmer
How many peel treatments will I need?
Depending on your skin concerns, we recommend a series of up to six peels, administered once every four to six weeks. Improvements with acne prone skin can occur between one – three peels, whilst deeper textural changes usually occur between four – six peels. More severe skin issues can take longer to improve.
Find out more:
Book a free, no obligation skin consultation at our Jesmond, Ponteland and Stanley practices to share your skin concerns or talk about any of our treatments.
Claim a discount:
Our patients receive 10% off all of our skin treatments, including Neostrata chemical peels, when they become members of our Honour Health Club.


In its raw plant form, the cannabis plant will not get you high. Try as you might, if you nibbled on some leaves or gnawed on some raw buds, sure, you’d be getting some great fresh terpene expression and some cannabinoids, but you definitely won’t be getting high, and you would reap few of the plant’s medicinal benefits. So how do cannabinoids go from mostly inactive molecular compounds to the powerhouses we know and love? A chemical reaction called decarboxylation – decarbing for short, or just plain ol’ “activating” – is to thank, and it’s an essential step in everything from smoking your favorite flower to making infused foods at home. Before decarbing, cannabinoids are in what’s known as an acid form – THCA and CBDA, for example – and these cannabinoids interact very weakly at the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. THC, however, has a high affinity for reacting at these receptor sites (CBD to a lesser degree), making the decarbing process key to unlocking the high you’re seeking from your bud. As decarbing occurs, cannabinoids release a carbon atom from their chains, converting THCA to THC, and allowing the cannabinoids to bind to the CB1 receptors. All of that science aside, in practice, decarbing happens every time you light your bowl, as heat initiates the reaction. This reaction is instantaneous during smoking, and by the time the cannabinoids enter your bloodstream, they’ve been converted to their active forms. Vaping and dabbing also utilize heat to activate cannabinoids in concentrates, and need to be decarbed to be activated.
Tips and Tricks for Decarbing Your CannabisWhile decarbing during vaping or smoking takes little more than the touch of a button or the flick of a Bic, edibles production requires a more fine-tuned and precise approach. There are several different ways to decarb for your at-home infusions, and we’ll explore those below, but first, a few key things to note:
- You must decarb your weed before you make your infusion! Activating the CBD or THC in your flower before the infusion process is essential to make sure you’re getting the experience – and dosage – you expect. This goes for working with both flower and concentrates.
- Time and temperature matter! While there is a lot of conflicting data about the exact best practices for activating cannabinoids, the general consensus is a slow and low heating process. Also, cannabinoids decarb fully at different temperatures! If you’re working with a high-CBD strain, for example, you’ll want to decarb your cannabis at a lower temperature to activate the CBD. Time and temperature best practices are the same for flower and concentrates.
- Heating your cannabinoids too long will inactive the compounds and result in the oxidization into CBN, another cannabinoid we recognize as being sleep-inducing and from “old weed.”


We assess phenol-acetone assessments on a weekly basis. In Asia, both phenol and acetone were historically assessed on a CFR China and CFR Southeast Asia basis but prices will now also be assessed on a CFR India basis to capture higher spot market liquidity.
Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is a white crystalline solid, which has been historically produced through the oxidation of 1-methylethylbenzene, commonly called cumene, which is made from benzene. Starting with benzene and propene, the whole process includes three steps, with the only other major product being 2-propanone or acetone. Derivatives of phenol include phenolic resins, bisphenol-A (BPA), caprolactam, adipic acid.
Acetone, also sometimes known as 2-propanone or dimethyl ketone is widely used as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals. Acetone is primarily used in the production of commercial products such as acrylic plastics, which are used for glazing, signs, lighting fixtures and displays. Acetone is also used in conjunction with phenol in the production of BPA.
The Platts Phenol India assessment is available alongside other key global petrochemical prices in these services.
Weekly CFR India assessments are based on latest information sourced from the market up to the close of the assessment window at 4:30 pm Singapore time (0830 GMT) every Tuesday.
Platts considers trade and trade indications for phenol ASTM D2439-96, normalized to the Platts standard cargoes for assessment purposes.
Spot price assessments reflect a spot cargo size between 500 mt and 2,000 mt for delivery 15-30 days forward from date of publication, delivered to JNPT, Kandla and Hazira. Payment terms are by letter of credit 30-90 days, with applicable anti-dumping duty, or ADD, of up to $90/mt, normalized according to Platts standards.
Similarly Platts considers for assessment purposes acetone ASTMD329, normalized to the Platts standard.
Spot price assessments reflect a spot cargo size between 500 mt and 1,000 mt for delivery 15-30 days forward from date of publication to Mumbai, Kandla, Hazira and Vizag. Payment terms are by letter of credit 30-90 days, with applicable anti-dumping duty, or ADD, of up to $80/mt, normalized according to Platts standards.
The CFR China phenol and the CFR China acetone assessments were launched on 16 May 2006 as were the CFR Southeast Asia phenol and acetone assessments.
Over the last few years, India's demand for phenol has surged. However, domestic supply has not kept pace with India's rising solvents' consumption. Constraints over feedstock propylene, lack of adequate infrastructure and the fact that many mega-scale plants aren't integrated with downstream facilities has impeded the startup of new solvents plants in India. Just two solvents producers -- Hindustan Organic Chemicals and SI Group India-- operate in India at present.
But with domestic manufacturers owning a capacity well below the global scale, solvents imports have reached well over 80% of India's consumption, making it a prominent importer in the international market.
Meanwhile, China’s import dependency is already slowing and could slump further due to rising self-sufficiency on the back of new plants start ups in 2015. In 2015, Shanghai Sinopec Mitsui Chemicals, CEPSA Quimica and Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corp. brought new plants online. The three plants, which have a combined phenol production capacity of 800,000 mt/year, have raised the country's total production capacity to around 2.5 million mt.
Increased supply amid steady domestic demand means that China is likely to increasingly target India due to lucrative prices in the Indian market.
Platts Phenol India assessment can be accessed in the following Platts services:
Mumbai Commodity Market Insights Forum
Seoul Commodity Market Insights Forum 2017
Aromatics Methodology Forum
7th Annual NGLs Conference and 5th Annual Petrochemical Seminar
Training & Events – Petrochemicals
Platts Market On Close Video


Some of the pictures used in this article are from the Internet
Access to clean water is crucial for every family. We all need water for drinking, cooking, and for other purposes such as bathing, brushing, and washing. Clean water not only makes life more comfortable. It likewise preserves human health.
Then, questions come:
Can the tap water we use in China meet our standard?
If not, how can we get acccess to clean water?
The tap water in China is considered relatively safe. In the past years, the water quality improved significantly due to several reasons.
Nonetheless，you might still have or notice some of the following symptoms about the tap water and naturally think that it’s not so clean.
Water looks yellow, smells bad or tastes weird.
Hair is discolored, brittle or losing volume after being washed by the tap water.
Skin is dry, itchy or even with eczema.
Eyes become itchy or red after showers or baths.
Well, for these syptoms, following points will explain.
Element No. 17 on the Periodic Table of Elements, has multiple applications. It is often used to kill bacteria and sanitize germs. Chlorine is globally used to disinfect water. But it’s more and heavily used here in China due to the severe pollution and government’s requirement. Excessive chlorine does the harm. Exposed to an excessive amount of Chlorine may affect your digestive system and may cause skin and hair problems.
Despite the fact that the quality of water source has improved, and treatments are adopted for the tap water. However, different levels of pollution still exist due to water transportation and other reasons. There mainly these kinds of pollutants in the tap water.
Particles, such as dust, dirt.
Bacteria, such as micro-organisms or germs
Hardness is another concern you need to pay attention to. It influences the shower experiences and affects the electrical appliances. The hard particles inside will stain the glasses and taps and also make the clothes cleaned not soft.
Plastic pipes are supposed to be a good alternative for the old rusty ones buried many years ago which causes part of the secondary pollution for the tap water. However, there are enough reports about the disqualified and poisonous PPR pipes which are just questionable.
Generally, the tap water in China is safe but can’t meet the standard of clean water. But the good news is that there are many options for clean water.
Due to the more advanced treatment techniques, bottled water is generally safer and much cleaner than boiled tap water. Even for some bottled water, some minerals are added, which makes the bottled water healthier and more palatable. Bottled water also comes in different volumes, like 500mL in small bottles and 19L in big jugs available to meet different needs. Bottled water has brought so much convenience and peaceful mind for consumers.
Despite the advantages mentioned, each of these choices also have their own negative points. many people are taking an issue about water bottles being environmental hazards because they are hard to recycle and they eventually end up stagnant in garbage areas. Many groups across the world are clamoring for a ban for bottled water products.
What’s more, bottled water just can cover your part of water supply for your family. When it comes to cleaning and showering, bottled water seems not so practical.
It’s basically the same water from your faucet but better and healthier.With the use of a good drinking water filtration system, water is purified by removing bacteria, pesticide, and other unnecessary elements without sacrificing quality. Many experts are hailing it as the better, healthier alternative to bottled water。
According to your different needs, different point of use filters can be added on your tap to make sure the water you use for drinking, cooking, bathing, brushing, and washing is always clean.
Advantages of Using Filtered Water
Save on water expenses
You get to save money since you wouldn’t have to buy expensive bottled water anymore.
Since your water is safer and your family is healthier, you will spend less on medicines prescribed for waterborne diseases.
You prevent 2100 various toxins that are likely present in dirty tap water from entering your body. Your kidneys will have more energy to function properly in detoxifying your body if you drink filtered tap water.
Be more attractive
Clean water will make you beautiful inside and out. Your hair will look shinier, your skin will be softer, and your nail will be healthier – all because of the absence of chlorine in your water.
The contaminants and other bacteria in unfiltered water may change the taste of your food. As you use clean water in washing and cooking your food, its natural taste is preserved.
Filtered water is definitely the right pick for the entire family. All these advantages are for you to grab so don’t even think twice. You will experience the big difference and the best thing here is that you wouldn’t have to spend a fortune for it.
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