About
Home » Engineering & Built Environment » Departments » Department of Metallurgy »Department of Metallurgy is made up of two streams: Extraction Metallurgy and Physical Metallurgy.
Extraction Metallurgy
Extraction metallurgy is a branch of metallurgical engineering that focuses on the extraction of metals from ores, their refining techniques and converting them into useful materials. Extraction of useful metals is a vital aspect of metallurgy, and nowadays it is not only limited to metallic ores.
Successful projects that have been done in extraction metallurgy:
- The use of entity with non-destructive technology to characterize phases for iron based-
- Use of Mossbauer spectroscope in mineral processing and metal extraction
- Use of microwave energy in metal extraction.
- Use of engineered microorganisms for metal extraction (Best paper in Australia)
- Valorization of mine PGMs mine sludge
- Service provided for small scale miners by National Department of Mineral Resources to empower artisanal operators in all the 9 provinces of South Africa
- The production of biochar for metal extraction and aqueous solutions purification
- Acquisition of knowledge and expertise on inclusion of metal dissolution in food through heat enhanced diffusion.
International Collaborators
- Freiburg University (Germany)
- National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Namibia
- University of Botswana
- Midlands state University (Zimbabwe)
- University of Zimbabwe
- Cape Breton University (Canada)
- National Mineral (Egypt)
- University of Mines and Technology (Ghana)
- Taita Taveta University (Kenya)
Physical Metallurgy
Physical metallurgy deals with processes of making useful products from and developing metallic alloys for manufacturing and construction. Physical metallurgy examines the metallic crystal structures, mechanical properties, electrical properties, magnetic properties, and chemical properties of metals.
Historical Perspective
- Beginning of the Material Science – People began to make tools from stone – Start of the Stone Age about two million years ago. Natural materials: stone, wood, clay, skins, etc.
- The Stone Age ended about 5000 years ago with introduction of Bronze in the Far East. Bronze is an alloy (a metal made up of more than one element), copper + < 25% of tin + other elements
Bronze age
Bronze: can be hammered or cast into a variety of shapes, can be made harder by alloying, corrode only slowly after a surface oxide film formsIron Age
- The Iron Age began about 3000 years ago and continues today. Use of iron and steel, a stronger and cheaper material changed drastically daily life of a common person.
- Age of Advanced materials: throughout the Iron Age many new types of materials have been introduced (ceramic, semiconductors, polymers, composites…). Understanding of the relationship among structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials. Intelligent design of new materials.
Just as awkward, learning to manipulate copper using heat was most likely an accident.
With the use of fire, other manipulations of metal also came to light, which contributed significantly to the development of metallurgy. It was found that by applying heat, one could either cast metal by pouring metal into moulds or extract the metal by smelting.
After stumbling upon the changing properties of copper, some Neolithic communities in eastern Anatolia started producing crude weapons and tools from copper and found that the newly ‘forged’ equipment’s lifespan was greater than their stone counterparts.
Some of the earliest objects that were produced by smelting copper are known in Iran.
UJ was involved in the development and casting of the adept air plane engine. the engine was cast in our foundry laboratory.ADEPT’s use of the latest technology 3D CAD packages enables virtual design and prototyping to validate form, fit and function in a concurrent engineering environment, and the use of engine design and simulation software all mean that the design stage is stable, cost-effective and rapid.
The ADEPT engine range features a novel and unique (in GA) engine architecture. The 120deg V6 engine layout gives the best solution to the requirements for a lightweight, compact engine with extremely high mechanical strength and integrity, as well as excellent balance, uniform cooling, and the optimum integration of the engine/Propeller Speed Reduction Unit. Fully sequential fuel injection, a unique lubrication system, anti-backlash and gear cush-drive mechanisms in the PSRU all contribute to the smoothest running piston engine in GA.
the current Adept intern is also a UJ alumni
Strategic Partners
The department houses Metal casting technology station
The University of Johannesburg’s Metal Casting Technology Station (MCTS) is an initiative of the then [LN1] Department of Science and Technology (now Department of Science and Innovation – DSI) under the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). The MCTS operates under the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment in partnership with the Department of Metallurgy.
The VISION of MCTS is “to be a world-class innovation facility that supports and enables technological innovations in the metals casting industry to achieve socio-economic benefits for South Africa”, with the MISSION to “support technology innovators to unlock South Africa’s metal casting industry’s global competitiveness and to deliver socio-economic value”.
The MCTS supports and assists the Metal Casting industry; Foundries, Suppliers and related industries, to improve the sectors innovation ability for increased competitiveness and sustainability, with the following FOCUS AREAS:
– Physical Metallurgy
– Moulding Technology
– Foundry Technology
– Support services.
Industry bodies
The Deparment of metallurgy is affiliated with the following Bodies
Existing Collaborations
News
- https://www.iol.co.za/education/being-a-young-female-metallurgist-7a7524d8-33fe-4233-b0cd-1a608e8e912e
- https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/metal-casting-technology-station-provides-added-value-for-industry-2017-03-10