Light Metals Update - February 2006


Message from the Director Welcome to our first Light Metals Update for 2006. The year began on a positive note with the Ministerial meeting of the Asia-Pacific Partnership (AP6) on Clean Development and Climate, in Sydney in January... Read more... Heat treatment the road to lighter cars A Light Metals Flagship research team has developed a new heat-treatment process for strengthening aluminium car parts that should put manufacturers on the road to making lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Read more... Low-cost coating to save aluminium industry millions A simple spray-on ceramic coating that reduces ‘air burn’ of carbon anodes in aluminium cells could potentially save the aluminium industry $530 million annually, reduce carbon dioxide emissions from smelters, and generate significant revenue for CSIRO. Read more... CSIRO's model solutions to fit all situations Making process improvements without interrupting production or taking technical risks with new plant design is a perennial challenge for the light metals industry. However, the Light Metals Flagship offers a proven alternative – using CSIRO’s computer modelling facilities to predict likely impacts. Read more... ‘Bath’ sensor keeps quality in focus With the support of Alcoa, Comalco and Tomago, a Light Metals Flagship project team is developing an inline sensor system to reduce 'bath' or electrolyte contamination while also enhancing worker safety. Read more... Bauxite to alumina: a cleaner pathway Researchers from the Parker Centre for Integrated Hydrometallurgy Solutions are working on a Light Metals Flagship project to find new ways of removing organics from the Bayer process. Read more... News in brief… Magnesium engine block cast… Driverless vehicle struts its stuff… Robust welding system forges ahead…ATSE acknowledges CSIRO researcher… Read more...	IN THIS EDITION: UPDATE Home Message from the Director Heat treatment the road to lighter cars Low-cost coating to save aluminium industry millions Model solutions to fit all situations 'Bath' sensor keeps quality in focus Bauxite to alumina: a cleaner pathway In brief...
The Light Metals Flagship is a CSIRO initiative and part of the National Research Flagships program that aims to deliver scientific solutions to advance Australia's most important national objectives. One of the largest scientific initiatives ever mounted in Australia, it aligns closely with the Federal Government's National Research Priorities. The initiative brings together our national research resources to deliver breakthroughs in fields ranging from healthcare to light metals and the environment.
About this email This E-Newsletter uses an HTML-rich media format to provide an easy-to-follow, visually attractive layout. If for any reason, your computer does not support HTML format email, please let us know by emailing Mary-Lou.Considine@csiro.au with your full name and email address, and we will ensure you receive our E-Newsletter in a plain-text format. Please feel free to forward it to those in your organisation who would be interested in receiving future newsletters. If you do not wish to receive this electronic newsletter from the Light Metals Flagship, please reply to this message with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line. Alternatively, please contact Mary-Lou.Considine@csiro.au or telephone us on +61 3 9545 8500 to request the removal of your email address. This E-Newsletter is a publication of CSIRO Communications. It does not purport to be comprehensive or to render professional advice. All material in this publication is subject to copyright. For permission to reproduce any part or all of an article, please contact the editor.
Light Metals Flagship CSIRO Editor: Mary-Lou Considine PO Box 312, Clayton South, Vic. 3169 Phone: +61 3 9545 8744 Fax: +61 3 9545 8622 Email: Mary-Lou.Considine@csiro.au


February 2006	National Research Flagship	www.lightmetals.com.au