[TheForge] plastic forge? OT:

[peter fels]

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> 
> 
> As you probably know, diamond is crystalline carbon, in which each
> atom is connected to four others in a tetrahedral configuration (i.e.,
> the OTHER four carbons are at the corners of a tetrahedron).  Very
> strong, very hard, no free electrons so completely transparent.
> 
> By contrast, graphite is crystalline carbon, in which each atom is
> connected to only three others in a hexagonal array (i.e., honeycomb
> or chickenwire shape).  This is even stronger than diamond within the
> plane.  However, the myriad of layers of carbon are only held together
> by their electronic interaction and whatever stuff that attracts to
> between the planes.  There are LOTS of loose electrons floating
> around, so virtually any wavelength of visible light can be absorbed,
> rendering the stuff black.
> 
>>>> How fascinating.
Bruce, do you know why free electrons absorb light?
Does this mean that running a small current through or across a transparent  material will male it opaque?
>>>> 
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