Ecological aspects of metallurgy and mechanical engineering

The world today is a reflection of the technological revolution that started three centuries ago: from telegraphs to smartphones, from steam locomotives to MAGLEV trains, from baloon flights to space shuttles' solid rocket boosters, from primitive calculators to quantum computers. The contribution of human brain is indisputable - on one hand it is the engine behind all these inventions. On the other hand, however, this period of technological progress marks the highest levels of metal, mineral and energy consumption in known human history, which quickly depletes the planet Earth's resources. This has put a tremendous number of questions and ecological problems, which mankind must find a solution to in order for life to be preserved for the future generations. The book presents alternative solutions for reducing the consumption of deficient metal, mineral and energy resources, as well as finding answers to a number of environmental problems. These solutions involve search for new raw material sources, recycling of metal wastes, development of new methods and technologies that guarantee economical use of the resources and protection of the environment.

Autorentext

Prof. Yavor Lukarski, PhD, MEng, holds a Master's and a Doctorate in Ferrous Metallurgy and serves as a Professor of Materials Science and Technology of Engineering Materials. His main research interests focus on the utilization of secondary metal resources, high-temperature processes, general metallurgy, and related areas.