Nano@Tech: Beer Cans to Pickup Trucks: The Science, Technology, and Engineering of Flat Rolled Aluminum Products
Thomas Beck, Novelis

Abstract:Novelis is the world leader in flat rolled Aluminum product, and also the global leader in recycled Aluminum. Our products can be found in everything from beer cans to pickup trucks. Each of these products requires unique specifications ranging from mechanical properties to surface quality. A major challenge is developing production friendly surface treatment processes that can be applied uniformly, consistently, and over large areas, at high speed. Here we will discuss applying thin amorphous silicate films via a coil to coil combustion chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) process.

Bio: TJ holds a BS in Physics from Loyola University New Orleans and a MS in Physics from Tulane University. While at Tulane, TJ studied in the Surface Science group where he concentrated on characterization of oxide surfaces. After hurricane Katrina, TJ and his family relocated to Atlanta, GA where, after a short stint in structural engineering, he took a position at the MiRC at Georgia Tech. At Tech he conducted a wide range of semiconductor process development in the areas of electron beam lithography, photolithography, thin film deposition, material synthesis, metrology, and electrical characterization. After several years at Tech, TJ accepted a position in the surface science group at the Novelis Global Research and Technology Center in Kennesaw, GA. At Novelis TJ uses his knowledge and expertise in surface analysis techniques to provide root cause failure analysis. He is also part of the exploratory group and is currently working on developing next generation pretreatments for aluminum sheet products.