My favourite image I generated during my PhD… a backscatter SEM image of steel powder spatter from the laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing/3D printing process… which looks like a little spooky pig!

I'm trying to make a high entropy oxide containing lithium and sodium along with three other constituent elements. I do a co-precipitation and then calcine at 1000 °C, 6 hours. However, when i do the ICP-MS after calcination, the amount of Li is 1.7 ppb and Na is 5.8 ppb. Other elements have the amount in the range of 500-550 ppb.

I've tried using various wet chemical methods like sol gel, pechini etc, but every time I calcine, the amount of lithium and sodium reduces. I've also tried ball milling, but the calcination step reduces the amount of Li, Na. I'm using a zirconia crucible and covering it with a lid. Ive also tried putting excess Li, Na in the precursor but still it doesn't work.

Is there any method for my calcination or something else i can do to ensure my lithium and sodium don't disappear.

Cast iron and carbon steel cookware involves seasoning (polymerized oil) that develops and also breaks down (from acids) from cooking. What are you actually consuming when the seasoning strips down? It's not just a dose iron (that can potentially be healthy) that contributes to the metallic taste, right? If the pan was cleaned to the point of the cooking surface feeling smooth (polymerized oil surface), are you still consuming carbon build up that will impact health negatively?

Even if what is being consumed is still inert, that doesn't necessarily mean you want to ingest it if it can build up in your body over time and potentially be a health issue?

Coming from the perspective of trying to be more health conscious where possible, not e.g. "you'll be fine and not die from using cast iron cookware because it's been used for thousands of years and we are all okay, there are microplastics inside us already". There's reasons to use cookware of such materials regardless of health and some people are willing to make this trade-off, of course.

I am applying for a materials engineering position within the company I currently work at. I do not have a degree, but I do come with 15+ years expirence in the field. Are there any book recommendations that could help me further my knowledge? Or anything that could help out. Thanks!