Volume 6, Issue 2

The realization that materials with coexisting magnetic and ferroelectric order open up efficient ways to control magnetism by electric fields unites scientists from different communities in the effort to explore the phenomenon of multiferroics. Following a tremendous development, the field has now gained some maturity. In this article, we give a succinct review of the history of this exciting class of materials and its evolution from “ferroelectromagnets” to “multiferroics” and beyond.

For next-generation technology, magnetic systems are of interest due to the natural ability to store information and, through spin transport, propagate this information for logic functions. Controlling the magnetization state through currents has proven energy inefficient. Multiferroic thin-film heterostructures, combining ferroelectric and ferromagnetic orders, hold promise for energy efficient electronics. The electric field control of magnetic order is expected to reduce energy dissipation by 2–3 orders of magnitude relative to the current state-of-the-art. The coupling between electrical and magnetic orders in multiferroic and magnetoelectric thin-film heterostructures relies on interfacial coupling though magnetic exchange or mechanical strain and the correlation between domains in adjacent functional ferroic layers. We review the recent developments in electrical control of magnetism through artificial magnetoelectric heterostructures, domain imprint, emergent physics and device paradigms for magnetoelectric logic, neuromorphic devices, and hybrid magnetoelectric/spin-current-based applications. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of experiments that probe the crucial dynamics of the magnetoelectric switching and optical tuning of ferroelectric states towards all-optical control of magnetoelectric switching events.

Energy conservation has become an essential step in pulp and paper industry due to diminishing fossil reserves and high cost of energy. Refining is a mechanical treatment of pulp that modifies the structure of the fibres in order to achieve desired paper-making properties. However, it consumes considerable amount of energy. The electrical power consumption has a direct impact on paper manufacturing cost. Therefore, there is a requirement to minimize the energy cost. Enzyme-assisted refining is the environment friendly option that reduces the energy consumption for papermaking. Enzyme-assisted refining is defined as mechanical refining after pretreatment of pulp with enzymes such as cellulases and hemicellulases. It not only reduces the energy consumption but also improves the quality of finished paper. Enzymes improve the beatability of pulp at same refining degree (°SR) and desired paper properties can be achieved at decreased refining time. The selection of suitable enzyme, optimization of enzyme dose and appropriate reaction time are the key factors for energy reduction and pulp quality improvement during enzyme-assisted refining.

This review article is a summary of the current knowledge in the field of plastic coloring. Plastics belong as well as paints, coatings, printing inks, and cosmetic formulations to the most important application systems for colorants, both for pigments and dyes. Colorants have to meet increasing demands in plastic applications due to the growing number of polymers with specific properties. Crucial factors besides the plastic type are the processing method and the required fastness level. Among the most important polymers for coloring with pigments and dyes are polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, and elastomers. Different processing methods are used for coloring of the individual plastics. The coloring processes need to be coordinated in accordance with the steps of the plastics processing leading to the final product.

Meijer is a family-owned retailer in the Midwest who pioneered the one-stop-shopping concept. This 85-year-old company is committed to energy, refrigerant, and logistics management to reduce the company’s carbon footprint intensity, not only because it makes business sense, but because it is the right thing to do. Meijer operates 248 superstores and grocery stores in six states with associated greenhouse gas emissions from lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration, and logistics. Through a combination of focused engineering, and proactive lifecycle management throughout its operations, Meijer has been able to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations as the company continues to grow. Meijer’s dedicated energy and engineering team is well on the way to reducing electricity use in stores by 20% by 2020, based on a 2010 baseline. Implementing energy efficiency projects to meet this goal, along with proactive management of refrigerant systems, has enabled this team to continue to drive down greenhouse gas emissions intensity in the retail area. Meijer’s distribution and logistics teams are also contributing to this reduction through replacement of older tractor trailers with clean diesel and hybrid models in addition to innovations in logistics planning to minimize truck miles traveled. Looking to the future, Meijer sees the next frontier of decarbonizing its operations in proactive lifecycle management, technology, and systems innovation.