Aluminum reduction technology—where to from here?

Abstract

John J. Chen (University of Auckland): When the program for the TMS 2000 Aluminum Reduction Technology sessions was put together, there was much media attention on the so-called Y2K bug. With the dawning of the new millennium—the correct start-date of the new millennium aside—we felt that it would be timely to take stock of the technology and discuss what the direction and needs are for research and development in the new millennium. Hence the title, Aluminum Reduction Technology—Where to from Here. It was felt that the best way to achieve a free interchange of ideas would be to deviate from the normal TMS paperpresentation format. Instead, we decided on having a panel of experts who represent the broad cross section of the industry, in terms of geography, academe, industry, etc. We would also encourage comments and questions from the audience. We are very grateful to the panelists who have accepted our invitation to present their viewpoints, which will act as the seed for further discussion and debate. We are very pleased that Dr. Nolan Richards agreed to chair the discussion. Nolan Richards (Consultant): Firstly, this is your panel. These people have consented to be up here to be of service to you. They are going to present ideas— it could be their visions, their wishes, or their complaints. It is up to you to react. I hope that some things that are said up here will inspire you to ask questions and comments. We came to this symposium, I believe, to be inspired and to learn something. I love what Barry Welch said on Monday—think out of the box. It reminded me of some innovative experiments that we conducted together in our early years at Reynolds [Reynolds Metals Company]. That’s how I perceive what Dr. Welch and others are going to inspire you to think out of the box.