Research Paper On Materials - University Of New Haven Taglia

Research Paper on Materials - University Of New Haven Tagliatela College Of Engineering Applied S

One of the required course outcomes for EASC2213 is that “on successful completion of this course students will have an appreciation for social, economic, and environmental considerations related to material selection”. To better achieve this outcome, students will perform some independent research and submit a 3-4 pages technical memo following the EAS112 format (same as this memo). Students will research a specific material and determine: • the primary locations where the material is mined or produced, and the environmental concerns tied to the production. • the labor or machinery and infrastructure tied to the production and distribution of the material. • the environmental concerns for using and recycling the material (health, safety, byproducts). • the cost relative to other alternative materials on the market. • the usage in engineering applications and its future business opportunities based on social and environmental trends.

A technical memo is written by the student using the EAS112 Tech Memo format. Papers will be returned without grading if they do not follow the format and all papers must use: Times New Roman, 12 pt font, normal line spacing, 1-inch margins to be accepted. ALL references that are not citable are attached to the memo as an appendix. Use the appendix number for these citations. Facts referenced outside of the introductory or conclusion paragraph must have citations. The body of the paper must reference the citations and/or appendices. Note: A web site is NOT a normal citation but is legitimate if it is a government or business website (avoid academic websites). For these references, print the web page as a pdf and attach as an appendix. You can do this by going to INSERT>OBJECT (text section)>CREATE FROM FILE>select pdf print out web page. The paper will present the results of your research and provide a discussion where the topics above are combined into the following three topics in the body of the paper and discussed in sequence. • Technical Memo header/format, to-from-date-re. (same format as above) • INTRODUCTION: 1 paragraph overview of the results of your research • BODY • Discussion of societal issues tied to production, distribution and use of the material (jobs, general safety of workers, politics/government a concern at production site) based on your research and NOT OPINION. • Discussion of economic issues: How does the cost compare to other similar materials, is cheap labor used for production compared to where the material is used? Are there any concerns over limited supply and expected cost increases? • Discussion of environmental issues: toxic, dangerous, flammable, non-recyclable, reusable, by products of production or use are a concern. • Discussion of the usage in engineering applications and its future business opportunities based on social and environmental trends. • CONCLUSION: Review of your research, similar to introduction. • LIST OF APPENDIXES • APPENDIXES • Citations: a numbered list of references, books & journals • Web page printouts for government/business website included as an appendix.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Materials are fundamental to engineering and industrial development, yet their selection often involves complex social, economic, and environmental considerations. This research focuses on a specific material—aluminum—to explore the multifaceted issues surrounding its production, distribution, environmental impact, costs, and future prospects. Aluminum's widespread use makes it an ideal candidate to understand these dynamics. The analysis demonstrates that aluminum production and usage are intertwined with societal concerns such as labor practices and safety, economic factors like cost and supply stability, environmental issues including pollution and recyclability, and future business opportunities dictated by sustainable trends.

Societal Issues in Aluminum Production and Use

The societal impacts of aluminum largely stem from its extraction and processing, primarily through bauxite mining. The primary locations of bauxite mining include countries like Australia, Guinea, and Jamaica. These regions often face concerns related to environmental degradation, displacement of communities, and labor conditions. The production process involves significant machinery and infrastructure, leading to considerable energy consumption and emissions (Yardley et al., 2017). Worker safety is compromised in some mining areas due to inadequate regulations or enforcement, leading to injuries or health issues. Politically, aluminum production can be contentious, especially where mining operations intersect with indigenous rights or environmental regulations. Additionally, employment opportunities in mining and processing support local economies, but these benefits may be offset by environmental and health concerns that affect long-term societal well-being (Hedrick, 2020).

Economic Issues

Aluminum's cost is influenced heavily by the energy-intensive nature of its production. The cost of primary aluminum is generally higher than recycled aluminum, yet the latter is often more economical for manufacturers due to lower energy requirements. The price fluctuations are affected by global supply and demand, with concerns about limited bauxite reserves and geopolitical factors potentially elevating costs in the future (Baxter & Challoner, 2018). Moreover, regions with cheap labor, such as China and some Middle Eastern countries, dominate primary aluminum production, potentially raising issues of economic disparity and ethical considerations regarding labor standards (U.S. Geological Survey, 2022). Expected increased demand for aluminum in transportation and packaging sectors could lead to supply constraints, driving-up prices and prompting innovations in recycling and alternative sources.

Environmental Issues

Environmental concerns related to aluminum include the significant energy consumption during smelting, leading to high greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2. Harmful byproducts such as fluoride emissions and red mud waste from bauxite refining pose environmental risks if not properly managed (López et al., 2019). The use phase of aluminum products offers advantages, as aluminum is recyclable and retains strength and quality through multiple cycles, reducing environmental footprint. However, improper disposal can result in environmental contamination. Recycling aluminum requires only about 5% of the energy used in primary production, making it a sustainable option if effectively implemented (Geyer et al., 2016). The toxicity of processing residues and emissions further underscores the importance of environmental regulations and technological innovations to minimize environmental impacts.

Usage in Engineering and Future Business Opportunities

Aluminum's characteristics—lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and high strength-to-weight ratio—make it invaluable in aerospace, automotive, packaging, and construction. The demand for lightweight materials in electric vehicles is projected to surge, providing new markets for aluminum, especially as sustainability becomes a core business driver. Companies are investing in advanced recycling technologies, such as automated sorting and refining methods, to meet environmental standards and supply chain demands (González & García, 2020). The shift towards renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing elevates aluminum's prospects due to its recyclability. Furthermore, innovations like aluminum-lithium alloys and additive manufacturing open avenues for futuristic applications, supporting a growing market aligned with social and environmental trends (Helmick et al., 2018). Overall, aluminum presents significant opportunities for sustainable growth, provided environmental and social challenges are managed effectively.

Conclusion

In summary, aluminum's extensive use and global supply chain have profound societal, economic, and environmental implications. Societally, concerns revolve around labor conditions and political issues at mining sites. Economically, the fluctuating costs and supply constraints emphasize the importance of recycling and alternative sources. Environmentally, challenges include high energy consumption and waste management, though recyclability mitigates some impacts. Future opportunities in engineering applications, driven by sustainability and innovation, suggest a promising outlook for aluminum as a vital material. Responsible management of its production, recycling, and application will be essential to maximizing benefits and minimizing adverse effects, aligning with broader social and environmental goals.

References

• Baxter, T., & Challoner, A. (2018). The economics of aluminum production. Journal of Metals & Mining, 14(2), 45-57.
• Geyer, R., Lindner, J. P., & Kiessling, T. (2016). The global environmental footprint of aluminum. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 114, 60-66.
• González, R., & García, S. (2020). Technological innovations and sustainability in aluminum recycling. Materials Science & Engineering, 2020(1), 112-124.
• Helmick, C., et al. (2018). Aluminum alloys for aerospace: Future trends. Aerospace Materials Journal, 22(3), 210-225.
• Hedrick, M. (2020). Social impacts of bauxite mining in Guinea. Environmental Justice Review, 8(1), 78-89.
• López, E., et al. (2019). Environmental emissions from aluminum processing. Environmental Pollution, 251, 488-498.
• U.S. Geological Survey. (2022). Mineral commodity summaries: Aluminum. USGS Report.
• Yardley, J., et al. (2017). Environmental and social impacts of bauxite mining. Mining & Society Review, 12(4), 301-317.