Materials Congress 2010 – Materials for Extreme Environments and
Times is inviting papers until 31 March. To be held from 20-23
September in Kuala Lumpur, the technical programme will explore materials and processes that can meet industry and society demand.
The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) led by the University of Sheffield with Rolls-Royce and supported by the University of Manchester will be based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Sheffield.
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.
Pilot trials are ongoing to remove iron and sulphate, using a bioprocess, from the acidic effluent that results from heap bioleaching metals from minerals. The work is being undertaken at the Talvivaara Mining Company’s nickel mine in Sotkamo, Finland. The technique is said to be more cost effective and environmentally friendly than current methods for iron removal.
Physical modelling to bridge the knowledge gaps between the atomistic and macroscopic levels of intermetallic alloys and ceramic coatings is under development.
The EU adopted a regulation this year governing active and intelligent materials and products that come into contact with food. Dr Alistair Irvine, Principal Consultant in Food Packaging Safety at Pira International, in Leatherhead, UK, welcomes the move.
