The Secrets of 10th Century Steel Production Unearthed In Desert Remains
A one thousand year old steel production site has been unearthed by an
International research team in the remains of the ancient city of Gyaur Kala in
Turkmenistan. The excavated remains of three furnaces, probably used to produce
the steel used in ancient swords and tools, suggest an advanced production
process that predates the next evidence of co-fusion steel by more than a
millennium. p.472
Controlling The Cupola To Help The Environment
A new sensing and control system could help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions
from inefficient operation of the cupola furnaces used in the iron and steel
industries. 12 million tonnes of iron are melted in these furnaces annually but
the process currently relies on the experience and skills of the operator in
deciding which process parameters to adjust to obtain the desired molten iron
properties. p.475
Listening To Rust
Materials engineers can now 'listen in' on the 'noises' made by localised
corrosion of, for example, metals rusting in water thanks to a new technique for
monitoring to the electrochemical current and potential fluctuations of
corrosion in materials. The 'noise' of corrosion in materials is helping
researchers gain a greater understanding of how the process works and how they
can best manage the problems caused by corrosion. p.482
The Increasing Attraction Of Rare Earth Magnets
Rare earth magnets are of increasing importance in developing the technologies
that will help reduce future emissions of greenhouse gases, according to
researchers at the University of Birmingham. The further use of rare earth
magnets could revolutionise the environmental performance of many everyday
technologies, including computers, washing machines, refrigerators and cars.
p.478
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Notes For Editors
- These items are due to appear in the August issue of Materials World, Volume 7, Issue 8.
- Materials World is the journal of The Institute of Materials, the professional organisation of materials scientists and engineers working throughout the world in areas involving the use and application of plastics, rubber, steels, metals and ceramics.
- Brief contents of Materials World are also available on the web: www.materials.org.uk
- The views and opinions expressed in these articles are the views of the author and are not necessarily the views of Materials World, IoM Communications or any other organisation with which they are associated.