THE MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO NICKEL AND ITS APPLICATIONS
December 2009
Volume 24, Number 3
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| Whether a country is also a producer or only a user of nickel, the ripples of economic and
social benefits are strong. |
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Nickel Magazine’s mandate is technical and, by extension, economic. It examines how the attributes of
nickel-containing materials offer toughness, durability, corrosion resistance, catalytic activity, and a host
of other attributes to processes and products.
In addition, anyone who has read Nickel during the past ten years is aware that those attributes,
largely prized for their engineering and economic performance, are also supportive of the environment. The
choice of a nickel-containing material almost inevitably means that less material will be used. In addition,
thanks to nickel’s enduring value, the product or structure will last longer, less energy will be required,
and the recovery of material at end-of-life will be high.
However, the judgment of society depends on more than just economic and environmental contributions, vital as
those are. Quality of life is also a measure of sustainability. Employment, occupational and community
health, infrastructure – these and other social aspects need to be given due consideration.
The central story in this issue of Nickel
reminds us of that social leg of the sustainability stool. What it reveals is just how wide the effect of
nickel use is. Whether a country is also a producer or only a user of nickel, the ripples of economic and
social benefits are strong. The research findings highlighted in the story provide a benchmark for
understanding the consequences of regulatory decisions that will affect the future pattern of nickel use and
applications.
Another highlight is our report on the use of nickel stainless steel in China’s spectacular Poly Plaza. While prompted by traditional engineering
considerations, the project is also a classic example of how environmental and social aspects are so often
enhanced by the use of nickel-containing materials. Other articles provide information about nickel’s many
benefits (although, even for us, phosphorescence in
nickel coatings was something new).
Stephanie Dunn
Editor
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