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Materials World October 2011

This issue's news looks at converting residual waste plastics, the best ways to divert mattresses from landfill and predicting colloidal particle separation. A novel polymer semiconductor that could improve chemical vapour detection and a method of forming nanoribbons for electronic devices are investigated, and we report on the Cement and Concrete Science 2011 conference.

Features trace the storied past of the copper industry in South Wales, look at how shape memory alloy reinforced composites are being used in aircraft to reduce foreign object damage, and examine stircasting metal composites to enhance wear resistance.

We also find about gold deposit discoveries in Nevada, USA, improving casting techniques with sound treatment and the causes of failure in polyethylene pipes for gas and water distribution systems.

Our regular columnist looks at the engineering legacy and the future of the NASA space programme, while books reviewed this issue cover topics ranging from the fundamentals of materials science to the petroleum geology of Ireland.

 

News

Putting issues to bed - recycling mattresses

mattresses
At the recent Materials KTN Mattress Whitewater event in Grantham, UK, delegates explored innovative methods to keep mattresses out of landfill and put them to work in cement kilns and plant membranes.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Fine-tuning graphene nanoribbons

A method for forming graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) might enable their properties to be tuned, widening their potential applications in electronic and spintronic devices.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Between concrete and a hard place - Cement and Concrete Science 2011 report

Extolling the versatility of cementitious materials, scientists, academics and industry professionals exchanged notes on research areas and methodologies at Cement and Concrete Science 2011, held in London, UK, on September 12-13.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Predicting colloidal particle separation

An energy-based method for predicting how colloidal particle mixtures separate into layers has been developed by US researchers at Penn State University.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Polymers shine a light on landmine detection

A new invention from a consortium of Scottish experts for sensing abandoned landmines consists of a polymer semiconductor whose fluorescent light turns off when it comes into contact with TNT molecules.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Driving ahead with plastic diesel

By 2012, the first UK facility to convert end-of-life plastics into road specification diesel and other kerosene fuels is scheduled to open.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Features

Examining failure - polyethylene pipes in the utilities sector

Rapid crack propagation (RCP)
Dr Chris O’Connor, Senior Consultant at GL Noble Denton reports on polyethylene pipe failure in the utilities sector.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Ultrasonic alloys

Casting techniques for metallic objects have been enhanced by incorporating sound treatment. Zohair Sarajan, from Islamic Azad University and Farzad Karami Sheikhiabadi from Shahid Sadughi Technical School, both in Iran, outline how applying noise to the molten metal increases density and strength.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Alloy composite casting

Research into stir casting of a metal composite has shown increased resistance to dry sliding wear. Materials scientists Zohair Sarajan, Mehrdad Soltani and SeidAbbas Hoseininejad from Iran outline the process employed.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Lightening the load - shape memory alloy reinforced composites for aircraft

Woven SMA/carbon fibre
Charlotte Meeks, Senior Scientist, and Andy Foreman, Principal Scientist at QinetiQ, UK, discuss shape memory alloy reinforced composites in delivering reduced foreign object damage for aircraft.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Pioneers and profits - the South Wales copper industry

Making iron ladles for copper casting, Swansea, early 1920s. Image courtesy of Swansea Museum
South Wales is not only famous for its coal mining industry, it was once the epicentre of copper production. Dr Tehmina Goskar, Research Officer for the Global and Local Worlds of Welsh Copper Project, recounts the region’s colourful history.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Material Matters

The final frontier - what next for space?

Our regular columnist looks at the engineering legacy of the NASA space programme and welcomes its plans following the end of manned space missions.
Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011

Book reviews

Fundamentals of Materials Science

Fundamentals of Materials Science

Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011
Petroleum Geology of Ireland

Petroleum Geology of Ireland

Materials World Magazine, 02 Oct 2011