Anti-magic solvent is a term used to describe a substance or solution that is capable of neutralizing or suppressing magical effects or powers. It is often used in fantasy literature, role-playing games, and other forms of fantasy media where magic is a prominent element. In these fictional worlds, magic is typically depicted as a powerful and mysterious force that can be used to manipulate reality, cast spells, summon creatures, and perform various extraordinary feats. However, there are often situations where magic needs to be controlled or limited, either for practical reasons or to provide conflict and challenges within the narrative. Anti-magic solvents are often portrayed as rare and valuable substances, as they can be used to counteract or negate the effects of magic. They are usually created through complex alchemical processes or by combining specific ingredients with magical properties.
Oh hush, you know what I meant. AMF can stop a spell in progress, but trying to make a firebreak out of something already burning isn't the most effective strategy.
Or, theres a bright plane marking the edge detect magic detects emanations, and this is an emanation and nothing at all inside the spherical surface. More information Pengyu Chen et al, Engineering solvation in initiated chemical vapour deposition for control over polymerization kinetics and material properties, Nature Synthesis 2023.
They are usually created through complex alchemical processes or by combining specific ingredients with magical properties. The exact composition of these solvents may vary depending on the fictional universe, but they are generally designed to disrupt or weaken magical energies. In some stories, anti-magic solvents can be used to create magical barriers or shields that protect against magical attacks.
'Magic' solvent creates stronger thin films
A new all-dry polymerization technique uses reactive vapors to create thin films with enhanced properties, such as mechanical strength, kinetics and morphology. The synthesis process is gentler on the environment than traditional high-temperature or solution-based manufacturing and could lead to improved polymer coatings for microelectronics, advanced batteries and therapeutics.
"This scalable technique of initiated chemical vapor deposition polymerization allows us to make new materials, without redesigning or revamping the whole chemistry. We just simply add an 'active' solvent," said Rong Yang, assistant professor in the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in Cornell Engineering. "It's a little bit like a Lego. You team up with a new connecting piece. There's a ton you can build now that you couldn't do before."
Yang collaborated on the project with Jingjie Yeo, assistant professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Shefford Baker, associate professor of materials science and engineering.
The group's paper, "Engineering Solvation in Initiated Chemical Vapour Deposition for Control over Polymerization Kinetics and Material Properties," published Feb. 9 in Nature Synthesis. The lead author is doctoral student Pengyu Chen. Yang and Yeo are co-senior authors.
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a common process used to make defect-free inorganic nanolayer materials in semiconductor manufacturing and in the production of computer microchips. Because the process requires materials to be heated at thousands of degrees, organic polymers do not fare well. CVD polymerization techniques such as initiated CVD (iCVD) are low-temperature counterparts developed for polymer synthesis. However, it is also limiting, Yang said, because "over the years, people have grown to the boundary of the chemistry you can make with this method."
Yang's lab studies how vapor-deposited polymers interact with bacterial pathogens and how bacteria, in turn, colonize polymeric coatings, from the paint used in ship hulls to the coating for biomedical devices. She and Chen sought to develop a different approach to diversify CVD polymers by borrowing a concept from conventional solutions synthesis: the use of a "magic" solvent, i.e., an inert vapor molecule, that isn't incorporated into the final material, but instead interacts with a precursor in a way that produces new material properties at room temperature.
"It's an old chemistry but with new features," Yang said.
The solvent in this case interacted with a common CVD monomer via hydrogen-bonding. "It is a novel mechanism, although the concept is simple and elegant," Chen said. "Building on this interesting strategy, we are developing a robust and generalizable science of solvation engineering."
Yang and Chen then turned to Yeo, whose lab simulated the molecular dynamics behind the solvent and monomer interaction, and how their stoichiometry, or chemical balance, could be tuned.
"We distinguished the effects of different solvents at the molecular scale and we clearly observed which solvent molecules were more inclined to bind with the monomer," Yeo said. "Thus, we can eventually screen which Lego pieces will be able to fit best with each other."
The researchers brought the resulting thin film to Baker's lab, which used nanoindentation testing to study it and found that the solvation mechanism had strengthened the material. The solvent also caused the polymer coating to grow faster and change its morphology.
This method can now be applied to various methacrylate and vinyl monomers—for essentially anything with a polymer coating, such as the dielectric materials in microelectronics, the anti-fouling coating in ship hulls, and the separation membranes that enable purification in wastewater treatment. The technique could also allow researchers to manipulate the permeability of pharmaceutical products for controlled drug release.
"This adds a new dimension to materials design. You can imagine all kinds of solvents that could form hydrogen-bonding with the monomer and manipulate the reaction kinetics differently. Or you can have solvent molecules incorporated into your material permanently, if you design the molecular interaction correctly," Yang said. "There's so much to explore with this added degree of freedom going forward."
Co-authors include Baker, Zheyuan Zhang, and Zach Rouse.
More information: Pengyu Chen et al, Engineering solvation in initiated chemical vapour deposition for control over polymerization kinetics and material properties, Nature Synthesis (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s44160-023-00242-5
Journal information: Nature Synthesis
Citation: 'Magic' solvent creates stronger thin films (2023, February 14) retrieved 20 October 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-02-magic-solvent-stronger-thin.html
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They can also be used to nullify or dispel existing spells, undo enchantments, or temporarily suppress magical abilities in individuals. These solvents are often sought after by characters who have a vested interest in controlling or limiting the use of magic, such as governments, religious organizations, or individuals who seek to exploit or harness magical powers for their own purposes. Anti-magic solvents can introduce an interesting dynamic to fantasy narratives by introducing a counterbalance to the overwhelming power of magic. They can force characters to rely on other skills, strategies, or resources to overcome challenges, and can create a sense of vulnerability or suspense in magical conflicts. They also provide opportunities for characters with non-magical abilities to shine and contribute to the story. Overall, the concept of anti-magic solvents adds depth and complexity to fantasy worlds by exploring the limitations and consequences of magic. It allows for a more nuanced exploration of power dynamics and provides a means to challenge and subvert the expectations and conventions associated with magic..
Reviews for "Exploring the Ethical Implications of Anti-Magic Solvent: Balancing Power and Responsibility"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the anti-magic solvent. It had absolutely no effect on breaking any spells or dispelling magic. I followed the instructions carefully, but it just seemed like a complete waste of money. I've tried other anti-magic products before and had much better results. I would not recommend this solvent to anyone looking for an effective solution to counter magic.
2. Lisa - 1/5 - This anti-magic solvent was a complete hoax. I purchased it hoping to remove a curse that had been placed on me, but it did absolutely nothing. I even consulted with a professional magic practitioner who advised me on its usage, but still no luck. It was a total waste of money, and I feel frustrated and deceived by the false claims made about this product. I urge others to steer clear of it.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - The anti-magic solvent fell short of my expectations. I had heard great things about it and had high hopes, but it failed to deliver. It was supposed to dissolve any magical barriers, but it barely had any effect. I tried using it on different spells, and the results were consistently underwhelming. It was frustrating to spend money on a product that promised so much but delivered so little. I would advise others to seek alternative solutions for dealing with magic-related issues.
4. Mark - 3/5 - Although the anti-magic solvent did have some effect on certain spells, it was far from being a complete solution. It could break through simple enchantments, but when it came to more powerful magic, it simply wasn't effective. I appreciate the idea behind the product, but it needs further improvement to be considered a reliable anti-magic solution. I would give it an average rating as it does work to some extent, but it falls short when faced with stronger magic.