Magnetotactic Bacteria

Definition

A tightly networked, crosslinked, polymer that is used as an epoxy. This is formed when the monomers of diepoxy and diamine are combined.

Magnetotactic bacteria are a type of bacteria that contain the magnetosome organelle which, through biomineralization, produces paramagnetic iron oxide. The iron oxide forms forms magnetic, single-domain, colloids that during formation line up with the earths magnetic field. Having these nanoparticles inside the cell leads to a normal alignment of the bacteria towards the bottom of the ocean where more anaerobic conditions exist. The flagellum of these bacteria then propel it to these conditions where the bacteria thrive. They were first discovered in the 1960s.

Applications

Epoxy has basically limitless applications and can be seen in fields ranging from aerospace to electronics. They are used as both electrical insulators when alone, and also electrical conductors when combined with silver. They are used architecturally as a material for walls, ceilings, and especially floors. They can be used as paint. They are also used for fastening bolts, and as castings. Moreover, epoxy as been used as a medium for art.

Economics

Epoxy is often used in the developing world for its uses in building. In fact, China accounts for 30% of the worldwide usage of epoxy ($15 billion world wide). The three largest producers of Epoxy are Hexion, Dow Chemical, and Huntsman's Corporation for Advanced Materials. Each of these companies allow the epoxy to be easily tuned for adhesive and mechanical properties using a variety of chemicals in addition to the basic monomers, such as things to increase or reduce viscosity.

References

http://pslc.ws/macrog/epoxy.htm

and other info gathered from a google search of "epoxy", including company websites.