Improving the oxidation resistance of carbon-containing refractory
bricks and the wettability of castables is the focus of research at the
University of Sheffield, UK. This could enhance furnace lining life and
performance to benefit the metallurgical processing industries.
A novel bi-component fibre using two different polymers may pave the
way for a concrete that has the required impact resistance and flexural
strength but without the need for steel fibre reinforcement. The
technology is said to overcome the previous challenges of producing
high performance concrete using polymeric fibres.
Water-efficient technology has vast potential and the associated tax relief can help manufacturers boost their bottom line. Water specialist Claire Sweeney, at UK sustainable business programme Envirowise, reports.
The UK Carbon Reduction Commitment kicks in from April 2010 and could affect firms in the heavy clay industry. Alessandra McConville, Environmental Programmes Leader at EEF, the manufacturer’s organisation, guides us on the process of compliance.
Five of the UK’s sector skills councils (SSCs) have launched the
Manufacturing Skills Alliance (MSA) to improve access to training and
development for employers in the UK, and help them deal with
different Governmental agencies.
The UK Government recently announced its plans to appoint a Chief Construction Advisor (CCA). Gary Price asked key representatives from the sector what they want the CCA to achieve.
Clay building products made at Warnham brickworks in
Horsham, UK, are the first to be accredited with the
Building Research Establishment’s environmental and sustainability
standard BES 6001, claims owners of the site Wienerberger.
A low-energy drying technique for aggregates in hydraulic lime mortar has been developed by a UK consortium. The research aims to make lime mortars commercially viable for new build projects, making bricks easier to recycle with 40% less embodied CO2 than cement mortars.
Konrad Goess-Saurau believes that engineering experience is the key to a lucrative manufacturing business. As Executive Chairman, the entrepreneur is taking British Ceramic Tile on its own success story by looking to the UK’s industrial past. Gary Price reports
