When We Realize the Magic of Heat ??

When we first stumbled upon the magic of fire, it was probably an accident - a lightning strike, a curious spark - but it didn’t take long to see that this warmth could transform our world ??. Early humans quickly discovered that heating made things better, stronger, and even tastier, from cooking mammoth steaks ?? to hardening wooden spear tips.

Heating soon became one of humanity’s superpowers ??.

Now, thousands of years later, we’re still captivated by the possibilities of heat - but today, it’s not about roasting dinner - it’s about transforming materials on an atomic scale ??. From making glass ultra-strong to creating metals that can endure the harshest conditions, heat continues to shape our world in remarkable ways.

Why Heating is High-Tech ??

Today, heating is a carefully controlled process that shapes everything from the phone in your hand ?? to the car you drive ??, and even the jets soaring overhead ??. By heating metals, ceramics, and polymers in sophisticated ways, we make them stronger, harder, and sometimes even smarter ??. Whether we’re gently baking materials for stability or using plasma and/or ion beams to form unique microstructures, heating unlocks hidden properties that allow materials to withstand, conduct, and connect in ways raw materials simply cannot.

Take Gorilla Glass, for instance . This tough, scratch-resistant glass on smartphones undergoes a specialized treatment in an approximately 750°F (400°C) molten salt bath. Here, smaller sodium ions in the glass are replaced by larger potassium ions, creating a "toughened" surface that can withstand everyday impacts. Imagine how much further we could go with ultra-fast, non-equilibrium heating!

This technology isn’t limited to glass - metals and polymers are also transformed through advanced heating processes, pushing the boundaries of what materials can do and endure.

Equilibrium vs. Non-equilibrium Heating ??

In his keynote talk at the 2025 TechCon, Dr. André Anders will dive into how equilibrium and non-equilibrium heating can revolutionize coatings and thin films. These heating techniques allow scientists to control the microstructure of materials, which directly impacts properties like hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity.

Everyday Innovations Powered by Heating Techniques

Heating techniques, from equilibrium to non-equilibrium, are behind countless everyday innovations. Here are just a few examples:

• ?? Smartphone screens to create ultra-durable, scratch-resistant coatings.
• ?? Solar panels to optimize light absorption and efficiency in photovoltaic thin films.
• ?? Medical implants to improve bonding and durability in joint replacements.
• ?? Aerospace engine components so that coatings withstand extreme temperatures.

Meet Dr. André Anders at 2025 TechCon ???

We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. André Anders will be taking the stage as a keynote speaker at 2025 TechCon in Nashville, Tennessee! ???? Known for his pioneering work, Dr. Anders was recently honored with the 2024 PSE Leading Scientist Award ?? - a well-deserved recognition of his incredible contributions to the field.

Beyond his groundbreaking research, Dr. Anders is a dedicated advocate for open and accessible science. As the outgoing Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Applied Physics, he's helping to lead efforts toward new publishing models, like the "Subscribe to Open (S2O)" model. This initiative could make the journal’s entire 2024 volume freely available, allowing researchers everywhere to access top-tier work without fees. ??

Join Us at Gaylord Opryland Resort ??

The 2025 SVC TechCon will take place at the all-in-one Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center , featuring hotel accommodations, conference rooms, tutorial classrooms, and the industry’s largest technical exhibit. Here, you’ll enjoy networking with peers, learning from the best in the industry, and connecting with new and long-time members of our community.

We’ve secured an exclusive conference rate of $269.00/night (+ tax), inclusive of resort fees, covering:

• Shuttle service to local destinations for 2 guests ??
• Golf range access and daily practice balls for 2 guests ??
• Resort-wide internet access, including enhanced in-room Wi-Fi ??
• Sunrise yoga meditation for 2 guests ??♀?
• Complimentary bottled water, replenished daily by housekeeping ??

Submit a Talk or Poster and Share Your Knowledge ??

The newly released Extended Call For Papers (ECFP) highlights contributions from global thought leaders committed to sharing their knowledge at TechCon. The ECFP also includes the final Education Program, featuring 37 tutorials across a range of technologies and applications. Conference registrants receive one ?? free tutorial of their choice, with discounts ??? on additional sessions.

We encourage you to submit a talk or poster , allowing you to connect with industry experts and share your insights. Conference registration opens ??? on December 15, and the SVC abstract portal is already open !

Explore More ???

Are you eager to expand your knowledge? Don’t forget that our Video on Demand (VOD) resources are always available for you! ??? Check out Dr. Anders’ insightful presentation on cathodic arc deposition. Dive deep into this influential coating method and discover its transformative impact! Don’t miss out! ?

The future of materials is being forged, and heat is at its core. Join us at TechCon and be part of the journey! ??

See you soon, and thanks for spending your time here with us!