Overview

In the discussion about sustainable materials and the circular economy, aluminium scrap is often heralded as the gold of the 21st century. While global demand for aluminium is rising sharply - with forecasts predicting current levels to double by 2050 [1] - there are pressing issues to resolve. Can we rely on recycling to satisfy the world’s hunger for aluminium? Or are we on course to lose our valuable resources to the highest bidders from overseas? The following article casts a light on the situation and explains why an urgent rethink is needed.

As a premium provider with a strong focus on specialist products, excellent strength and forming properties are vital. However, surface quality also plays an important role for almost all our products. This not only determines their visual appearance but also influences their formability, solderability, slip resistance, bonding ability and much more.

AluReport spoke with CEO Dr. Helmut Kaufmann on the occasion of the 50th issue of AluReport to discuss the magazine’s origins, AMAG then and now, and how AluReport can help to counter short-termism. AluReport: Dr. Kaufmann, AluReport is your baby. Tell us how it all began. HK: In 2007, my colleagues and I were appointed to the Management Board: Gerhard Falch as CEO, Gerald Mayer as CFO and myself as COO. At that time, AMAG was still part of the Constantia Group. We conducted a strategic process and determined that we wanted to position AMAG as a premium supplier of flat aluminium products and recycled cast alloys, with specialty products accounting for a significant proportion of our portfolio.

The aluminium world is in a state of radical change. We are pushing the limits of known alloys and their classes, both to enhance their performance (crossover concept [1-4]) and to create alloys containing high proportions of recycled materials [4-6]. The microstructure is a crucial factor in determining the physical and chemical properties of these specialist products. A fundamental understanding of how the aluminium matrix interacts with added elements in solid solution, primary phases, dispersoids and hardening phases, and how they interact with dislocations, is essential for optimizing manufacturing processes and the properties of finished materials.

Skiing is more than just a sport: it’s a state of mind that connects people and nature. Yet, this close relationship with nature presents a question: How can we make modern ski design more environmentally friendly?

It protects steel from corrosion and provides the same protection for sheet metal used in automobiles as it does for roof gutters. Zinc oxide makes paints shine, is used to treat wounds as well as an ingredient in sunscreens, and in batteries it supplies us with energy. Besides playing an important role in our daily lives, zinc is actually essential for human, animal and plant life.  People need zinc for their metabolism, growth and brain development. Zinc strengthens the immune system, protects the skin and is essential for our reproduction. In short: zinc is indispensable.

Interview with CEO/COO Dr. Helmut Kaufmann, - You have been preaching the importance of knowledge-based action at AMAG for more than 16 years - and show no signs of stopping. Can you explain why?

Prof. Antrekowitsch, as Vice-Rector you will be responsible for research and sustainability. Do you see further potential to develop the cooperation between AMAG and MUL?

AluReport: Can you give your views on the aircraft industry, what has fundamentally changed over the last 5 years and what is the outlook until 2030 and beyond?

Dr. Ramona Tosone, what influence doesmicrostructure have on theperformance of aluminium?

In the world of modern architecture, innovative material technologies, avant-garde design and sustainable strategies come together to create a fascinating symbiosis that constantly redefines the limits of what is possible.

The aviation industry faces an immense challenge: to improve its climate footprint, it must drastically reduce its carbon emissions.