1999 From: Institute of Materials
Materials World: August 1999 issueThe 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 PLEASE MENTION MATERIALS WORLD AS THE SOURCE OF THIS ITEM 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.
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