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By Richard L. Kerr

The U.S. aluminum recycling industry has experienced rapid growth in both its size and importance over the past two decades. Secondary recovery now makes up about one-third of total U.S .. aluminum supply compared with ]9 percent, of a much smaller total in the early 1970's. This growth has occurred in part because recycled metal performs as well as new aluminum in most applications, and because it provides major savings in production costs and natural resource utilization. In addition, the recycling industry has played a critical role in greatly expanded -production and reclamation of aluminum beverage cans. Recycled metal makes up over half of the content of aluminum sheet used: to manufacture beverage cans. In future years, both the-production and reclamation of aluminum cans are likely to rise in foreign markets, thus providing the industry with opportunities for further growth. Recyclers may also play a larger role in supplying auto producers who are using increasing amounts of aluminum in passenger cars and trucks. However, in order to take advantage of this growing market, an efficient infrastructure for collection of scrap and production of metal must be developed.

Jan 1, 1995

By Bruce W. Downing

MagPower has developed methods to control the detrimental formation of hydrogen that occurs in electrochemical reactions in numerous commercial applications such as the Magnesium-Air Fuel Cell, electrowinning, zinc alkaline batteries, hydrogen embrittlement, waste water/ metal recycling and coolants. The company?s approach to an alternative energy source is the development of an environmentally friendly non-toxic alternative power source that generates electricity through a combination of magnesium, oxygen and a saltwater electrolyte with MagPower?s patent pending hydrogen inhibitors. The magnesium-air technology has never reached the commercial stage due to its limiting power output caused by hydrogen generation. MagPowerhas solved this problem and has patents pending on its intellectual property; the Hydrogen Inhibitors and has developed several consumer power units for a variety of applications through licensing agreements. The company has also shown that the inhibitors have an impact on zinc electrowinning through laboratory test work where current efficiency was improved. This will significantly reduce power consumption and increase the efficiency of the electrowinning process, as well as reduce the potential acid mist hazards associated with electrowinning.

Jan 1, 2003

By Micheal McCarter, Biswadeep Saha, Meenakshisundaram Ramanathan, Chai Ren, Sivaraman Guruswamy

"Three-point bend test was used to study the effect of electrochemically charged hydrogen and magnetic field on the embrittlement behavior of AISI 4340 steel in this work. Acoustic emission signals were collected during the test and analyzed to gain an understanding of the crack growth process. Cathodic hydrogen charging in AISI 4340 steel resulted in drastic reduction of ductility and strength. Hydrogen embrittlement was characterized by a change in fracture surface from dimpled ductile surface to quasi cleavage type fracture. No significant effect was observed in the presence of magnetic field. The acoustic emission signals collected during the test provided an indication of the extent of energy released during the crack growth process.*Support of this work by NSF through the award DMR-0854166 is gratefully acknowledgedIntroductionGrowing interest in hydrogen as a clean fuel and use of steel and other iron based alloys for storage and transport of hydrogen has led to extensive study of the influence of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of these alloys. Hydrogen interaction with materials may result in degradation of mechanical properties. Embrittlement, either ductile or brittle, can be described as a condition which decreases the toughness of the material or increases the ease of crack growth. Hydrogen present even in few parts per million is sufficient to embrittle steels at room temperature [1]. In most cases, hydrogen exposure is through an electrochemical process in aqueous corroding environments. In such cases, they are prone to be exposed simultaneously to electrically induced magnetic fields, which are also believed to affect the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of these alloys. So it is also important to study the effect of magnetic field on the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility. Hydrogen solubility by electrochemical process in aqueous solution is proportional to square root of current density for iron. [2,3]"

Jan 1, 2012

By Baicheng Liu, Houfa Shen, Wensheng Li

"In order to understand the formation of macrosegregation in steel ingots, a mixture model has been developed which accounts for coupled mass, momentum, species, and energy transport to describe the sedimentation of free equiaxed grains during solidification. In this model, the mushy zone is divided into the slurry and porous regimes according to a solid packing fraction. Settling velocity of equiaxed grains in the slurry regime is given by an explicit expression. The solidification of a binary steel ingot (Fe-0.36wt.%C) with a two-dimensional geometry is numerically simulated. It is demonstrated that the predicted macrosegregation patterns agree to some extent with classical experimental results. Further refinement of this model is still necessary for realistically simulating steel ingot solidification.IntroductionModeling macrosegregation in steel ingots is still a challenging study, mainly due to the length scale of the products and the complexity of global multiphase transport phenomena coupled with microscopic solidification kinetics [l]. The thermal-solutal convection and the motion of equiaxed grains are the two main mechanisms responsible for macrosegregation. But there are few models that deal with the motion of equiaxed grains, which is confirmed as the main phenomenon that explains the negative macrosegregation along the centerline of large steel ingots [2]. A model which takes into account melt convection and grain sedimentation was first proposed by Beckermann and co-workers ([3], and references therein). More recently, similar multiphase solidification models with advanced nature have been presented by Wu and Ludwig [1,4] and Combeau and co-workers [5,6]. It is known that the application of these sophisticated models to steel ingot casting is at its beginning.In this paper, a solidification model based on continuum mixture approach, using much less sophisticated relations to obtain the settling velocity of free equiaxed grains, has been proposed in order to predict the macrosegregation in steel ingots. The model is applied to simulate the solidification of a binary steel ingot with a two-dimensional geometry, and preliminary modeling results are presented."

Jan 1, 2011

By Yves Fautrelle, Kader Zaidat, Hervé Combeau, Miha Zaloznik, Mohammed M'Hamdi, Bachir Saadi, Xiaodong Wang, Knut Omdal Tveito

"Numerical simulations of macrosegregation formation during horizontal solidification of a hypoeutectic Sn-Pb alloy in a rectangular cavity is presented and compared to experimental results. The experiment involves a melting phase, a holding stage at constant temperature with/without application of electromagnetic stirring, and finally solidification. We simulate all stages of the experiment and study the segregation of Pb throughout the experiment. A twophase volume averaged model is used for the numerical simulations, accounting for thermosolutal convection and assuming perfect microscopic mixing (lever rule). The influence of the melting phase and the electromagnetic stirring is studied with different cases to illustrate the consequences on the flow pattern and Pb segregation. The numerical simulations are compared to the experimental data and the impact of chemical inhomogeneities prior to solidification on macrosegregation formation is discussed.IntroductionMany extensive investigations have been performed so far on the solidification of metallic alloys. However, the melting process of metallic alloy has not attracted attention in a same manner. Nevertheless, melting of alloy may put forth peculiar effects as described in the present paper. It has been observed from a benchmark experiment [1, 2] that significant stratification might arise during the melting process of Sn-Pb alloy. That effect was put forth thanks to the analysis of the experimental temperature distribution which indicated that the convective fluid flow was almost zero. The effect was enhanced when the lead composition was higher (above 6wt.%). The present paper is aimed at confirming that the melting of an alloy containing a heavier solute may be accompanied with a stratification of the solute which exerts a stabilizing effect on the convective fluid flow. Results obtained from numerical modeling are compared with experimental data obtained from the benchmark facility."

Jan 1, 2012

By Paul Dewison

For nine years, from mid-1987 to mid-1996, the copper market enjoyed what appeared to be an endless boom in which prices were much higher relative to production costs than for most other base metals. After the boom ended abruptly mid-1997 with the Sumitomo affair, copper was burdened by an overhang of new projects that promised to swamp demand in what, with the Asian financial and economic crisis of 1997, had become a considerably worse consumption environment. Now, demand prospects do not look so bad. If, as we suspect, we will be dealing with a more rational market in the future, it becomes all the more important to forecast accurately the prospects for consumption. In this paper, we present a new methodology for copper demand forecasting. The methodology forms the backbone of the demand-side analysis for the multi-client study entitled "Long Tenn Outlook for Copper", co-authored by Metalica Ltd. and Bloomsbury Minerals Economics (BME). Key components of the methodology are as follows. (1) Relate demand to economic structure. (2) Focus on products rather than refined consumption. (3) Apply a consistent products/applications analysis to all countries and time series. (4) Incorporate scrap market dynamics within the analytical framework.

Jan 1, 1999

By Lauri E. K. Holappa

The aim of the metallurgical process development is, nowadays, to search for the shortest, most economical, more environmentally friendly and sustainable route to convert raw materials to finished products. Recent progress in steelmaking processes ? BOF and EAF - has also motivated to search for more advanced casting technologies to shorten process route. Continuous casting, which became industrially feasible in the 1960s, is now a mainstream technology with over 90% share of the world steel casting. After the 1980s, the increase in steel production and consumption, particularly from automobile, construction and home appliances industries, required steel manufacturers to accelerate production with more concise procedures, so that near-net-shape casting took the trend of development in order to bypass and simplify the downstream processes, e.g. cold/hot rolling mill or extrusion mill, to directly obtain finished products with required geometries. Progress in flat and long products changed the industrial operation pattern, strengthened steel production efficiency, and formed the operation concepts of the integrated steelworks and mini-mills, respectively. Thin slab casting and strip casting have represented the most important progress and promise, in the recent years, of such innovations furthermore strengthening the production efficiency and, concurrently, coinciding with the demands of environmental protection and sustainability. This paper reviews the most recent progresses in near-net-shape casting and prospects the impacts to steel industries as well as the development trends of steel production, in general.

Jan 1, 2006

By E. Burgos Cruz

The behaviour of S, N and P during refining of Fe-18 wt%Cr-10 wt%Ni with calcium carbide was investigated. The effects of the initial contents of C and N in the metal phase, as well as the supply method of calcium carbide to the melt on the removal degrees of S and P were evaluated. Heats were carried out at 1873K, in MgO crucibles, using a laboratory induction furnace. It was observed that simultaneously with S and P, N and O have also participated in the reactions. It seems that, in fact, O governs the behaviour of the other elements dissolved in the melt and that N is had to the removal of P with calcium carbide. It was also noticed that high C content in the metal phase have not altered the dephosphorization and desuffirization degrees, but that the supply of calcium carbide done by injection led to a lower dephosphorization degree than the one obtained by dumping it.

Jan 1, 1995

By A. Siegmund, R. D. Prengaman

Lead anodes used in zinc electrowinning generally contain 0.5 - 1.0 % silver to reduce the rate of corrosion over the service life. For good quality zinc, the cathodes must contain less than 10 ppm lead. In order to reduce the lead contamination of the cathode, the lead anode must become coated with a protective layer of Pb02/Mn02. The formation of this layer may take as long as 30 - 60 days, during which time zinc production is substantially reduced and the cathodes are contaminated with lead. To improve the mechanical properties of Pb-Ag-anodes alloying elements such as calcium, strontium, barium and others are added. The production of cast lead-silver or lead-silver-calcium anodes often results in the formation of numerous holes, voids or laps in the anode surface that can initiate localized internal corrosion. Based on the experience as the major supplier of rolled anodes for copper electrowinning, RSR Technologies has developed an improved anode for zinc electrowinning. The anode consists of a rolled Pb- Ag-Ca-alloy with a controlled surface grain structure. It forms an adherent protective oxide coating within 2 - 3 days when placed in an electrowinning cell. The preferred calcium and silver contents of the alloy are 0.03 - 0.08 % and 0.3 - 0.4%, respectively. Rolling sheets significantly reduces the presence of internal porosity or laps. The lack of defects results in long anode life. The rolling also produces a uniform grain structure to which the corrosion product readily adheres, thus significantly reducing the conditioning period.

Jan 1, 2000

By D. T. Smith, L. M. Hsiung, J. J. Schmitt, J. W. Golz, R. L. Lankey, H. N. G. Wadley, J. Z. Zhang, B. L. Halpern

"The microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/AI2O 3 metal-oxide nanolaminates fabricated by' a novel Jet Vapor Deposition (JVD) process at substrate temperatures of ~25° and -250°C have been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoindentation methods. The thickness of the oxide layer was held constant between 2 and 5 nm, whilst the Al layer thickness was systematically varied from -3 to -50 nm. Continuity of the Al layers was significantly improved when the nanolaminates were deposited at an elevated substrate temperature (-250°C). The yield strength of the nanolamintes with Al layers greater than -25 nm follows a Hall-Petch type relationship, whereas that of the nanolaminates with Al layers less than -25 nm is better predicted by a Koehler-Lehoczky strengthening model. IntroductionAluminum-aluminum oxide (presumably A12O3) nanolaminates have been recently fabricated using a novel Jet Vapor Deposition (ND) process developed and patented by Jet Process Corporation [1-4]. ND uses sonic, high purity helium (He) gas jets to entrain atomically dispersed vapor and deposit films. It is of interest here because it can deposit multilayered structures (laminates) inexpensively at high rates. Materials with a thin, multilayer structure are of interest because they potentially offer novel mechanical and physical properties [5]. Koehler in 1970 used an image force model to investigate the strength of laminated materials and proposed the use of alternating layers of high and low shear modulus metals to produce high strength composite materials [6]. He predicted that dislocations would have to overcome a large repulsive image force in order to move from metal layer B of lower shear modulus (uB) into metal layer A of higher shear modulus (uA)' The image force (F) is given by the relation:"

Jan 1, 1994

By Habib Saridikmen

In this experimental study the effects of slag composition on the phosphide capacities of the slag as well as on the phosphorus distribution ratios between the slag and metal phases encountered in ferromanganese smelting have been determined at 1500°C under carbon monoxide atmosphere. The distribution results were employed to calculate the phosphide capacities of the SiO2-Al2O3-CaO-MgO-MnO slags in equilibrium with the Mn-Fe-Si-Csatd.metal phase. The classical gas-slag-metal equilibrium-quenching technique was employed using CO gas atmosphere and graphite crucibles to saturate the metal phase with respect to carbon. The phosphorus distribution ratio increased from 0.045 to 0.375 when the slag basicity increased from 0.72 to 1.39. As expected, the distribution ratio decreased from 0.375 to 0.105 when silica increased from 37 % to 45.8% in the slag phase. The phosphide capacity values were calculated by using the results of experiments. Empirical relationships were developed to express the phosphorus distribution ratios and phosphide capacities of the above slags.

Jan 1, 2006

By Pan Gu, Zhen Zhang, Jiang Diao, Bing Xie, Hongyi Li

Viscosities of FeO-SiO2-V2O3-CaO-P2O5 slags have been measured at the temperature range of 1673 K to 1773 K (1400°C to 1500°C). This investigated system represents the major components of basic vanadium slag that is an important intermediate product of a novel vanadium extracting process, in which removal of phosphorus and extraction of vanadium can be achieved from the vanadium-containing hot metal simultaneously. It was found that higher CaO/SiO2 ratio resulted in lower viscosity in the composition range of interest. Also, the viscosities increase with the increasing P2O5 concentration. The varying viscosities can be attributed to the modification in complexity and polymerization of the slag network. The variation of apparent activation energies are in tune with the viscosity measurements. The results of this work revealed the effect of CaO/SiO2 and P2O5 on the viscous properties of FeO-SiO2- V2O3-CaO-P2O5 slags and therefore provide the theoretical foundation for the control of the coupling de-P and V-extraction process.

Jan 1, 2016

By Tanm Engin, Ali Riza Tarakcilar, Derya Dispinar

"Nowadays, the casting industry is developing parallel with the information technologies (IT). Particularly the casting simulation software is being frequently used in foundry floors for casting quality control and optimisation. In this study, the filling and solidification analysis of a rolling roll manufactured by spherical graphite cast iron were carried out by Vulcan casting simulation software. The appropriate defect relieving suggestions were presented by anticipation of defects that may form during the casting process.IntroductionThe optimisation of a casting process has long been the most focused area in manufacturing plants. Many of the work involve not only the process itself but the cost as well. When it comes to the process, it is important to be able to control the defects that may form during casting.The casting process begins with the melting of a charge; followed by pouring into the mould cavity. One of the most important factors is the difference in the liquid/solid density which may lead to porosity. On the other hand, turbulence during filling is another significant factor in casting operations [1].During solidification, due to the density difference between liquid and solid, porosity might form which leads to crack-like defects. There are several other factors that may determine the quality of a casting such as segregation, inclusions, grain size and etc. However, porosity is one of the first parameters that can be easily determine and controlled by the help of simulation software. Simulation is a cost-effective tool in the optimization of process parameters and castings can be visually observed. Time loss and economic expenses could be minimized [2]."

Jan 1, 2012

By H. J. Thevik, A. K. Dahle

"A mathematical model that calculates the stress development in a coherent and stationary dendritic network due to interdendritic flow is proposed. The fluid flow is assumed to be related to the solidification shrinkage, and under the assumption of no porosity formation and unidirectional solidification, the shrinkage-induced flow within the mushy zone is calculated analytically. The interdendritic melt flow exerts a force on the solid network and an analytical expression for the stress build-up in the network is developed. Parameter studies illustrating the influence of cooling conditions, mushy zone length, dendrite coherency, fraction solid, volume fraction of eutectic, and solidification shrinkage upon the stress development within the solid network are presented. Comparing the magnitude of the calculated stresses to measurements of the strength in equiaxed mushy zones shows that it is possible for the stresses to exceed the strength, thereby resulting in reorientation or collapse of the dendritic network.IntroductionInterdendritic fluid flow is at present regarded as a very important mechanism for feeding of shrinkage during solidification of metal alloys. Solidification of many alloys is often characterised by heterogeneous nucleation of the primary phase on substrates in the melt with subsequent evolution of equiaxed dendrites. These equiaxed dendrites can initially grow freely, but impinge on each other and form a continuous dendritic network, ie. dendrite coherency, quite early in the solidification process. Measurements of the dendrite coherency point have shown that the dendritic network is established at solid fractions ranging between 0.1 and 0.5, and most often around about 0.2 [l]. Depending on the alloy composition this means that as much as 70 to 80% of the volumetric shrinkage has to be compensated by flow of liquid through the interdendritic network. Interdendritic flow occurs with a much larger resistance compared to free flow of the liquid and flow of a liquid with dispersed crystals. The pressure drop associated with the interdendritic flow increases rapidly with decreasing fraction ofliquid."

Jan 1, 1999

By M. Sripathy, K. V. Sharmal

"The conventional fiber reinforced plastic does not participate in the plastic deformation or enter the large plastic deformation state during collision. On the other hand, sandwich structure allows more plastic deformation, which improves the energy absorption efficiency. The objective of this study is focused on the investigation of the crushing of sandwich structure made from sisal / coir / bamboo/ glass fabrics as reinforcement and with polyester resin to form the composites skin and with polyurethane foam as the core. Experiments were conducted, showing that the underlying crushing mechanism of sandwich structures is very different from that of solid-section thin-walled structures. When a sandwich is subjected to crushing, the core deforms in the shear mode and the face bends independently. The damage is through the width zone of crushed foam core accompanied by a residual crushing in the foam. It is shown that such damage causes a significant reduction of compressive strength. Results show that glass/polyester and bamboo/polyester skin based sandwich structures have superior compressive strength. Coir /polyester based sandwich structure come next to glass/polyester sandwich structures in this aspect which is then followed by Sisal /polyester based sandwich structures.IntroductionCellular polymeric foam sandwich structures are often employed in shock mitigating applications. The cellular polymeric foam has several favorable properties, such as, low density, relatively high strength-to weight ratio and a significant degree of crushability. This high crushability is the result of the large void ratio in such materials, which also facilitates the collapse of cell walls via bending and buckling [1]. A few feasibility studies on FRP sandwich panels show that the panels efficiently provided high mechanical performance for minimum weight [2]."

Jan 1, 2012

By Veronica Escobar

This paper presents results from a two month pilot evaluation of EMEW® technology at CODELCO Radomiro Tomic, in Chile. A prime focus in the test programme was to assess the technology?s capabilities to recover high quality copper from the Radomiro Tomic electrowinning tank house bleed stream. The EMEW® cell developed by Electrometals Technologies Ltd. tolerates substantially higher levels of contaminants than those found in conventional tankhouse, operating at high current densities while maintaining high cathode copper quality all the way down to low copper concentrations. To maintain high copper purity in a copper electrowinning (or electro-refining) tank house, a continuous bleed of solution must be taken from the tank house inventory to prevent build-up of contaminants, and resulting degradation in cathode quality. In an SX-EW operation, this bleed stream is normally recycled back to the solvent extraction circuit, but is occasionally sent to the raffinate pond to re-enter the leach circuit. Return of the bleed stream to the solvent extraction circuit creates a continually recycling load of copper in solution, which may reduce overall plant capacity and expansion potential. Return to the leach circuit has a similar effect, and methods to reduce its impact are always under consideration. The use of the EMEW® technology allows for direct and efficient recovery of near 100% of the contained copper instead of recycling. Tests were run at ambient temperature on bleed electrolyte using current densities which varied between 250 and 1100 amps per square meter, with copper concentrations between 38 and 1 g/l. A profile of maximum allowable current density with respect to concentration was developed, showing that high grade copper can be obtained at all levels of concentrations tested, by choosing an appropriate current density and electrolyte flow rate. The results of this programme show that the recirculating bleed electrolyte from an SX-EW operation can be converted into an expansion in copper production at a comparatively low investment cost.

Jan 1, 2003

By Muhlis Nezihi Saridede, Burak Birol

"Plastic wastes become a huge problem day after day due to the growth of plastic industry. Hence, plastic wastes are used as a raw material for other industries to eliminate this problem. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which is a commonly used for plastic bottles, may be used as a reductant for iron production because of its C and H content. In this study, composite pellets containing iron ore concentrate, flux and reductant were prepared. Crystallized PET bottles and coke were used as reductant after ground. The prepared pellets were reduced at 1400°C for 30 min. and iron nuggets were produced successfully. Usage of waste PET purely as reductant in composite pellets gives a higher metallization degree and proper carbon content than coke or PET and coke mixture.IntroductionPlastics can be seen everywhere, especially at packaging industry in our common life. The increase of plastic usage ends up with an important problem, the increase of plastic wastes. Many studies have been carried out about usage of plastics as reductant in blast furnace such as Ogaki et al.[1], Heo and Baek [2], Saridede [3], Minoru et al.[4], etc. Besides, Kato et al. [5], Nomura and Kato [ 6] and Rongfang et al. [7] have pointed out the use of plastics in coke ovens regarding to its calorific content. In EAF steelmaking, a mixture of coal/coke and plastics can be used as an energy resource instead of only coal or coke. [8] Also, the usage of PET and PC in self-reducing composite pellets increased the reduction rate. [12]PET (Polyethylene terephthalate ), which is commonly used for soft drink plastic bottles, is an important municipal waste due to its C and H content. Its molecular formula is (C10H8O 4)n. Demir and Dincer showed that PET can be crystallized at 250°C to have the ability to be ground to a size of -100 µm. [11]"

Jan 1, 2011

By John Jiang, Yeonuk Choi, Olivia Wang, Gus Van Weert

"As part of a general review of processing double refractory ores through Barrick Gold's autoclaves/CIL facility at Goldstrike, Nevada, blanking the gold cyanide adsorbing native carbon in the ore with hard (m.p. >55°C) paraffin wax was proposed. To avoid interference from other ore constituents in the exploratory testwork, commercial activated carbon was substituted for native carbon in the ore to establish the best conditions for de-activation of carbon with molten wax.IntroductionDouble refractory gold ores present two barriers to gold extraction. The first is generally a physical barrier: the gold is encapsulated or dispersed in a matrix which is impervious to the gold lixiviant. In most cases, including the Goldstrike deposit, this involves a pyrite or arsenopyrite matrix, although minor gold may also be dispersed in competent silica (quartz) or iron oxides. Gold can be rendered accessible by oxidative destruction of such sulphide matrices. At Goldstrike this is practised by roasting and autoclave oxidation (POX). It is the latter route to which this paper refers.The second barrier refers more correctly to gold recovery. Gold may be extracted from the autoclave oxidized solids with cyanide, forming a gold cyanide complex. One characteristic of this complex is that it adsorbs on graphitic surfaces. This behaviour is used advantageously on a large scale by gold millers, who use man made activated carbon particles to remove the gold from solution during leaching: the Carbon-In-Leach, or CIL process. The gold bearing carbon particles are larger than the ore solids and can be separately recovered by screening. Goldstrike uses the CIL technology to recover gold after autoclave oxidation."

Jan 1, 2012

By Daniel E. Groteke

This paper describes a new technology which allows aluminum drosses to be processed at the generating melting furnace to recover available metallic values. The systems, offered in both manual and automatic modes, are capable of processing quantities ranging from 15 to 200 lb. per cycle, and recovering up to 90% of the aluminum with a combination of agitation and chemical reactions. In the automatic mode, the separation of molten alloy and de-metallized dross is achieved in less than five minutes process time. The recovered alloy, of largely unchanged composition, may then be returned while at elevated temperature to the original melting furnace to achieve an additional saving of energy.

Jan 1, 2000

By Felipe P. D. Lopes, Jr. dos Santos, Sergio N. Monteiro, Frederico M. Margem

"Natural fibers are gaining attention as a class of low cost, biodegradable and renewable materials that also exhibit some interesting properties for specific applications. In particular, the incorporation of some natural fibers in polymeric matrix composites is nowadays providing opportunity of manufacturing a variety of industrial items, for instance automobile interior components. Among these fibers, ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is one of the least investigated and only recently was studied as polymeric composite reinforcement. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the possibility of ramie waste reinforced polyester composites to replace conventional building materials, such as plywood, plastic boards and gypsum panels in terms of a cost-benefit analysis.IntroductionThere is a growing concern over the environmental questions that are presently affecting our society in a global sale such as climate changes and generalized pollution. Among the solutions for these questions, the replacement of energy intensive materials, especially those long term degradable such as the synthetic fibers, is already being considered [1]. As a consequence, the past decades have witnessed an increase in research devoted to new biodegradable materials obtained from natural resources mainly the biomass. Important examples are the renewable natural fibers as well as composites incorporated with them [2,3]. In addition to their friendly status with respect to the environment, well know natural fibers like jute, sisal, wood, coir, hemp and flax are relatively low cost and recyclable. In recent works [4,5], the use of these cultivated and abundant lignocellulosic fibers was investigated as the reinforcement phase in polymeric composites.Other less know lignocellulosic fibers have also been recently investigated [6,7]. These are fibers that likewise show a potential of incorporation into the polymeric matrix of composite materials. Most of these less know fibers are typical of tropical regions and, in principle, their application in industrialized composites would represent job opportunities for developing countries in Africa, South Asia and Latin America."

Jan 1, 2008