Abstract This paper reviews, discusses and analyzes the Alcoa Company, one of the global leaders in the production of alumina, aluminum and the coordination of supply chains specifically for the natural materials used for creating these products. The paper reports that the company's center of operations is located in Pittsburgh, PA employing 129,000 people in over 350 operating locations in 42 countries. According to the paper, raw material prices are critical to the present and future profitability of Alcoa.
Outline:
Company Description
Company Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Industry Analysis
Global Aluminum Demand
Alcoa Financial Analysis
From the Paper "Primary Metals. - This business segment of Alcoa generated After Tax Operating Income (ATOI) $480MM in Q4'06 vs. $346MM in Q2'06 and $242MM in Q4'05. This segment is benefiting year-over-year from rising aluminum prices and higher production offset by start-up costs at the new state-of-the-art smelter in Iceland and higher carbon and pitch costs that affect production costs. This specific operation of Alcoa is also heavily influenced by aluminum prices, and performance in this specific segment will also be heavily influenced by the efficiency of their supply chain."
Abstract This paper examines the metal aluminum, looking at its history, physical and chemical properties, natural occurrence, mining, processing, and uses.
Abstract This paper attempts to determine from existing literature if there is a causal connection between aluminum (AL) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The paper begins with a description of the symptoms of AD and an explanation of the physiological deterioration that AD causes. This is followed by a discussion of the reasons that hereditary causes have been ruled out, a review of the literature on AD, and the potential causal relationship to AL.
From the Paper "One of the most distressing elements of the crippling Alzheimer's disease AD is that patients have no way of determining if they are at risk for the disease, nor treating the disease once it begins to set into the brain. Patients are slowly robbed of the ability to remember small details of life, and then ultimately fail to be able to process even the simplest thoughts. Thus researchers are looking for elements which are connected to the onset of AD, and one of the most promising connections found to date is the connection between AD and the presence of aluminum (AL) in the body. Researchers do know currently know if AL is a causative agent, or appears in the tissues as a byproduct which is attracted from other parts of the body as a result of the neurological breakdowns."
Abstract This paper explains that domestic water supplies across the world vary enormously in quality. The author points out that aluminum has long been linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, bone diseases, and anemia, and nitrates are known to have gastric effects, neurological implications, and other effects on human health. The paper relates that lead is well-documented to play a role in intellectual retardation, impacts abdominal pain, and has other health effects.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Aluminum Nitrate
Lead
From the Paper "Interestingly, aluminum in drinking water may be introduced into the water supply by water treatment processes themselves. Aluminum sulphate is added as a coagulant that removes suspended matter during the water treatment process in many facilities. The aluminum nitrate is then removed through filtration and clarification, but trace amounts may remain. In the European community, the maximum acceptable concentration of aluminum in drinking water in the UK is 0.2 mg/l, based on the incidence of problems with dirty water, rather than health implications."
Abstract The paper relates that with a company history that spans more than a century, Alcoa, Inc. is a leading global provider of a wide range of engineering products for consumers and industries alike. The paper shows that Alcoa, Inc. is a global provider of a wide range of aluminum and non-aluminum products for both consumers and industrial applications. This paper provides a brief history of Alcoa, Inc. and an analysis of the company and the industry in which it competes. The paper analyzes the company's financial performance and presents a summary of the research. The paper concludes that Alcoa has emerged as a premier global enterprise in the 21st century. The paper recommends that the company continue to place a high priority on corporate governance and its strategic partnerships to help it continue this pattern of growth in the future.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Company Analysis
Industry Analysis
Financial Performance
Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper "The company changed its name from Aluminum Company of America to its current version, "Alcoa Inc.," in 1999, based in New York City (Alcoa, 2006) but with its headquarters in Pittsburgh (Aluminum Company of American, Inc., 2006). Today, Alcoa, Inc. (hereinafter alternatively "Alcoa" or "the company") is a leading producer of aluminum. The encyclopedic entry for Alcoa reports that the company's operations range from mining bauxite and other ores to smelting and processing aluminum, fabricating aluminum products, and marketing and shipping; further, the company has a majority ownership of Alcoa of Australia Limited, a leading producer of aluminum oxide (alumina)."
Abstract This well-researched and detailed paper explores the effects of acidic precipitation (acid rain) which has been a major factor in fish kills throughout countries in the northern hemisphere. The writer of this paper cites numerous studies which have linked aluminum toxicity along with acid rain as the main cause of fish extinction. This paper stresses the urgency in developing a successful management tool in determining the viability of fish populations in various natural settings. This paper also contains detailed information and results of various case studies as well as two graphs that support the author's claims in this report.
From the Paper "The fish used in this experiment were obtained from a trout farm which ensures the relative similarity of the fishes used in the experiment. They were acclimated to artificial soft water for 2 weeks before they were used in the experiment. They were then transferred to flux chambers for the experiment and given 24 to 48 hours to recover from the handling stress before they were exposed for 24 hours to low-pH water (pH 4.4, 4.8, or 5.2) A control group (N=36) for each of these pHs was left in these conditions for 10 days. The experimental group after this 24 hour exposure to low pH levels were exposed to concentrations of Al of 111, 333, or 1000 ug/L at the same pH (N=72)."
Abstract This paper discusses Alumina or Aluminum Oxide, the only oxide formed by the metal aluminum, which occurs in nature as the minerals corundum, diaspore, gibbsite and most commonly as bauxite, which is an impure form of gibbsite. The author submits that its industrial and commercial use in the modern times took off after the development of the Bayer process, which made possible the wide-scale, low cost production of the material.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background Information: History of Alumina
Initial Manufacture of Alumina
Manufacture of Aluminum & the Bayer Process
New Natural Forms of Alumina
Properties of Alumina
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Electrical Properties
Structure of Crystalline Alumina
Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) Structure
Structure of Liquid Alumina
Applications of Alumina
Ceramics
As an Insulating Material
Electronics
Mechanical Ceramics
Military Uses
Bio Medical
Chemical Ceramics
Enameling
Refractory Uses
Chemical Industry
Catalysts, Fillers, and the Glass industry
The Bayer Process
Grinding of Bauxite
Digestion of Bauxite
Settling and washing of Residues
Crystallization of Hydrates
Calcination of Hydrate
Conclusion
From the Paper "Fused alumina (the substance produced after being melted and re-crystallized) is identical in chemical and physical properties with natural corundum. It is a very hard material and its hardness is exceeded only by diamond and a few synthetic substances such as carborundum, and silicon carbide. This property of alumina lends itself for use as an abrasive material. Another useful property of the material is its high melting point, i.e., above 2000?C (3632?F), which makes it useful as a refractory and as linings of special furnaces. The mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of Alumina (99.7% purity) often used in the ceramic industry are depicted in the following tables:..."
A look at the causes, effects, pathologic processes, research, types, the immune system, aluminum and treatment alternatives focusing on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
4,725 words (approx. 18.9 pages), 31 sources, 1994, $ 135.95
From the Paper "Alzheimer's Disease/Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type:
The Role of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
As the United States' population grows older, the chronic degenerative diseases of the elderly have become increasingly important. One condition that has received considerable attention is Alzheimer's disease, otherwise known as Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (AD/SDAT). In recent years, researchers have begun to begun to elucidate the biochemical and physiological mechanisms which characterize this disorder. Moreover, despite the brain's inherent complexity and inaccessibility, several promising therapeutic modalities have emerged. Of these different agents, perhaps the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors exhibit the most potential. At the turn of the century, the average life expectancy in..."
Abstract This paper traces the evolution of the baseball bat. It looks at the different types of bats made, the material from which they are constructed, the effectiveness of the bats, generally noted advantages and disadvantages of the different bat types ,and safety issues regarding bat types. The paper ends with a brief summary of the features that the different bats have in common.
From the Paper "Baseball bats today come in many different varieties, from the standard $20 wooden bat to a state-of-the-art, $300 aluminum model (Sports-werd.com, 2002). Each type of bat has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each has a unique feel and sound. On both the college level and professional levels of baseball, the types of bats allowed vary in material. Yet, while the baseball bats may differ, there are still many similarities that make both aluminum and wooden bats comparable in the world of baseball."
Abstract This paper begins with a brief history and some background information on the Alcoa company and then explains the reasons for the legal case brought against it by the EPA. The paper also points the connection between former Alcoa CEO, Paul O'Neill, and the Bush Administration and how this relationship helped Alcoa achieve a favorable ruling in the EPA's case against the company. Additionally, the paper describes the conclusion to the legal case, discusses Alcoa's strategies for winning the legal battle, and presents an analysis of the entire issue as well.
Company Basics
Company History in Brief
The Arena of Conflict
The Issue
The Conclusion of Case
Alcoa's Strategies
Analysis
From the Paper "Alcoa is the leading global producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina. It is active in virtually all aspects of the aluminum industry, serving aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, and industrial markets. It promotes itself as a single source for design, engineering, production and other fabrication-related operations. In addition to serving those industries listed above, it also produces and markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap?, Alcoa? wheels, and Baco? household wraps. It has also branched out into other businesses including vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks."
Abstract This paper describes the alcoholic beverage industry in the United States and its expansion capacity. The paper attempts to study the situation of the beer companies in some parts of the world where the highest expansion is taking place and how there are attempts by companies to spread into other countries to maintain their rates of growth.
From the Paper "The largest brewery in the world is Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. with its head office situated at 1, Busch Place, St. Louis, MO 63118. According to the philosophy of the company it wants to be the life of the party in all its operation, in both its theme parks as also its breweries. Apart from the brewery operations, the company is one of the largest among the theme park operators, manufacturers of aluminum cans in the United States and the largest recycler of aluminum cans in the world. The share of the company in the United States in the sales of Beer with a share of just less than 50 percent and the company has the brand called Budweiser, which is the top ranked beer in the country. There are also a number of other brands manufactured by the company and among them are Bud Light, Michelob and Busch. The other activities of the company are in the manufacture of certain well known theme parks like Busch Gardens and Sea World and water parks like Water Country USA and Adventure Island."
Abstract This paper explains that, if the corrosion on aircraft is undetected or untreated, corrosion problems can lead to structural failures and, hence, pose a great safety risk. The author points out that the most popular method of corrosion prevention is the use of chromate surface treatments of the aluminum structures; however, using hexavalent-chromium compounds for surface coating is an environmentally unsound practice because chromium is well-known as a highly toxic and carcinogenic agent. The paper relates that tackling corrosion at the designing and manufacturing phase is key to successful control of the corrosion menace; proper maintenance also occupies a significant role in remedying the damage and in prolonging the life of the aircraft.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Corrosion Problem
Corrosion Control (A Design and Manufacturing Issue)
Corrosion Control by Coating
Maintenance Programs
Conclusion
From the Paper "Cervical corrosion occurs when a corrosive fluid gets inside the joints or penetrates the coated surface. Both the forms of corrosion are dangerous and can result in cracking of the metal surface. The problem is more pronounced in aging aircrafts which are exposed to corrosive materials over a long period of time. The 1988 Aloha Airline B-737-200 incident was an eye opener to the dangers of corrosion. Due to undetected corrosion the whole fuselage of the plane got separated in mid air. This incident led to the formation of the "Aging Aircraft Task Force Steering Committee" which is currently known as the "Airworthiness Assurance Working Group"."
Abstract This paper explains that recycling has been around for centuries, although only recently has the modern age made efforts to promote its benefits as a crucial element of a system meant to preserve the environment. The author points out that recycling not only decreases the amount of waste in landfills and incineration plants, but also, by reusing aluminum, paper, glass, plastics, and other materials, virgin materials, as well as production and energy costs can be saved. The paper relates that the United States is not the only country currently involved in recycling programs and describes programs in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the global recycling organization know as BIR.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Centuries of Recycling
Increasing Waste
Returning to Basics
Important Facts about Recycling
Facts about Paper Recycling
Benefits of Recycling
Myths about Recycling
Those against Recycling
Recent Declines
Problems in Germany
Recycling around the World
Conclusion
From the Paper "The world has seen an increase in waste production over the past century due to increased population and technologic advances. The "average" American discards seven and a half pounds of garbage every day, and this garbage, the solid waste stream, goes mostly to landfills, where it is compacted and buried. As the waste stream continues to grow, so will the pressures on our landfills, our resources and our environment."
Abstract The paper offers an extensive research on zeolites which are silicate minerals composed of silicon, aluminum and sodium. It gives a technical definition of zeolites, its uses and properties. The author also discusses catalysts and their importance. In conclusion, it discusses specific modifications of zeolites.
Introduction
Zeolites as Catalysts
Importance of Catalysts
Zeolites as Ion-exchangers
Zeolites as Adsorbents
Uses of zeolites
Properties of Zeolites
Modification of Zeolites
Conclusion
From the Paper "The unique channels and high surface area of zeolites provide these materials with a high adsorption capacity and shape-selective adsorption. Zeolites have been used to adsorb a variety of materials, which includes applications in drying, purification and separation. They can remove water to very low partial pressures and are very effective desiccants, with a capacity of up to more than 25% of their weight in water. They can also remove volatile organic chemicals from air streams, separate isomers and mixtures of gases."
Abstract This paper describes an experiment with a homemade voltaic cell using a piece of citrus fruit. The paper explains that pairs of metals were inserted into the fruit and the potential was recorded. The metals -- zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, tin, magnesium, lead and nickel -- were paired in all possible combinations. The paper includes equations for the reactions and calculations of Eored.
From the Paper "This laboratory used a piece of citrus fruit as a voltaic cell to determine the relative positions of a series of different metals in a series of electromotive forces by a qualitative comparison. A quantitative comparison was also determined by using..."
