rubbermaid essays

rubbermaid essays Rubbermaid's earliest seeds took root in an old piano factory in Ohio and at the kitchen table in New England. On April 30, 1920 nine individuals rented a building in Wooster, Ohio, known as the 'Piano Factory.' Their product? Sunshine Brand Toy Balloons. They called their venture The Wooster Rubber Company. In 1927, the company was bought as an investment by Horatio B. Ebert and Errett M. Grable, both of whom were executives of the Wear-Ever Division of the Aluminum Company of America. Ebert and Grable retained the services of Clyde C. Gault, one of the original founders. Meanwhile, James R. Caldwell, a rubber chemist, an analyst, and vice president of the Seamless Rubber Company in New Haven, Connecticut, had become fascinated with novel dyes that could transform plain rubber into dazzling colors. Caldwell and his wife would sit at their kitchen table dreaming up functional kitchen and bath objects in bright hues. In 1933, a patent was issued for their first effort, a dustpan. Caldwell joined the Wooster Rubber Company and soon toy balloons and novelties were replaced by new rubber housewares products. In those early days, there were 16 full-time employees. When the meager 10- foot-by-16-foot shipping dock was filled with cartons for delivery, it was considered a pretty good day at the factory. In 1935, net sales were $79,858. By 1938, net sales had reached $204,000. Within 10 years, the product innovation for which Rubbermaid is renowned was clearly evident. In 1955, Rubbermaid's annual report listed, among other products, pet feeding dishes, plate storage racks, kneeling pads, mats for various uses throughout the home (as door, sink, drain board, bath, and shower mats), coasters, soap dishes, and even cleaning solutions for rubber. Under Caldwell's leadership as president and general manager until 1958, Rubbermaid's most fundamental and enduring corporate credo was developed: 'A firm insistence on produc ...

Alloy Definition and Examples in Chemistry

Alloy Definition and Examples in Chemistry An alloy is a substance made by melting two or more elements together, at least one of them metal. An alloy crystallizes upon cooling into a solid solution, mixture, or intermetallic compound. The components of alloys cannot be separated using a physical means. An alloy is homogeneous and retains the properties of a metal, even though it may include metalloids or nonmetals in its composition. Alternate Spellings: alloys, alloyed Alloy Examples Examples of alloys include stainless steel, brass, bronze, white gold, 14k gold, and  sterling silver. Although exceptions exist, most alloys are named for their primary or base metal, with an indication of other elements in order of mass percent. Uses of Alloys Over 90% of metal used is in the form of alloys. Alloys are used because their chemical and physical properties are superior for an application than that of the pure element components. Typical improvements include corrosion resistance, improved wear, special electrical or magnetic properties, and heat resistance. Other times, alloys are used because they retain the key properties of component metals, yet are less expensive. Example Alloys Steel: the name given to an alloy of iron with carbon, usually with other elements, such as nickel and cobalt. The other elements add a desired quality to the steel, such as hardness or tensile strength.Stainless Steel: another iron alloy, which typically contains chromium, nickel, and other elements to resist rust or corrosion.18k Gold: this is 75% gold. The other elements typically include copper, nickel, or zinc. This alloy retains the color and luster of pure gold, yet is harder and stronger, making it better suited for jewelry.Pewter: an alloy of tin, with other elements such as copper, lead, or antimony. The alloy is malleable, yet stronger than pure tin, plus it resists the phase change of tin that can make it crumble at low temperatures.Brass: a mixture of copper with zinc and sometimes other elements. Brass is hard and durable, making it suitable for plumbing fixtures and machined parts.Sterling Silver: is 92.5% silver with copper and other metals. Alloying silver makes it h arder and more durable, although the copper tends to lead to greenish-black oxidation (tarnish). Electrum: Some alloys, like electrum, occur naturally. This alloy of silver and gold was highly prized by ancient man.Meteoritic Iron: While meteorites may consist of any number of materials, some are natural alloys of iron and nickel, with extraterrestrial origins. These alloys were used by ancient cultures to make weapons and tools.Amalgams: These are mercury alloys. The mercury makes the alloy much like a paste. Amalgams may be used in  dental fillings, with the mercury intact, although another use is to spread the amalgam and then heat it to vaporize the mercury, leaving a coating of another metal.