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In spite of the escalation of hydrocarbon feedstocks prices lately, we continue to see a widening increase in the use of plastics, particularly the cheaper materials such as PVC and polypropylene, for many industrial and domestic products. Many are not coloured and self‐coloured ones are rather limited in the range of colours available. In consequence, this has now become a mini growth area for specialist paint coatings with a number of technical problems involved.

In recent years aluminium has become a very widely used material in the construction industry. Light weight, good corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication lends itself to a whole variety of end uses. Although the tendency for aluminium to oxidise in the atmosphere is itself a form of chemical “protection”, improvements in weather and chemical resistance can be gained from the use of a variety of surface coatings. These coating technologies are typically of the following types: polyvinylidine difluoride, water‐borne electro‐paint, conventional solvent‐based paints, powder coatings and anodising. The two most popular technologies in use today are: TGIC (Triglycidyl isocyanurate)/polyester powder coatings and polyvinylidine difluoride (PVDF) solvent‐based coatings. Coated aluminium has the added competition in the window frame and door frame market from uPVC. Only coated aluminium will be discussed in this paper.

The last decade has seen many changes in the use of coatings by the building industry. Most notable have been the development of more durable polymers for paints, and the transfer of painting of components from the site to the factory. In addition there has been a trend towards avoiding surface coatings by choosing other materials, particularly plastics. BRE has been evaluating alternative finishes and comparing their performance with site‐applied coatings in a research project which has just drawn to a close. The work has engendered a definite preference for factory application, but elimination of coatings is not universally feasible, economic, or desirable: they will remain an essential site treatment for maintaining or changing appearance and providing additional protection following deterioration.

Corrosion testing of water systems. Metal Samples Supplies Ltd, one of Europe's leading manufacturers of corrosion monitoring test coupons, is now offering By‐Pass Rigs for the easy testing of the corrosivity of treated water. By‐Pass Rigs can be supplied to the design shown in ASTM D2688 together with smaller rigs which are effectively half the D2688 size. These rigs are available both in uPVC pipework and fittings and in Mild Steel pipework with Malleable Iron fittings.

The corrosion protective properties of the primer films prepared from Egyptian manganese ore (high and medium grades) and epoxy resin have been determined by immersing coated films in artificial sea water for 28 days. The good corrosion protective properties indicate that the Egyptian manganese ore can be satisfactorily used in anticorrosive primer formulations for steel surface protection.

Suggests refurbishment of the many disused public fountains (estimated at up to 2000 in the UK) can be achieved at a fraction of the cost of creating new water displays. Briefly reviews deterioration points – statuary, perimeter walls, pool walls and floor, pumping equipment, pipeworks, pump screens, nozzles and valves, filtration, wind – and water‐controls, winter protection and electrical safety. Concludes that programmed maintenance, and the establishment of specific maintenance responsibility, is crucial for public display fountain operation.

Oxalate coating process. The Pyrene Co. Ltd. announce the availability of their new oxalate coating process, Bonderite SS4, for assisting the cold drawing of stainless steel and heat‐resisting alloys.

The distinguished panel of judges selected this entry as the winning one for its highly technical merit, its obvious importance to the structural steel industry, its expected significant importance for increased and improved use of galvanized steel and its excellent presentation.

Heads up BCI's Metal Finishing Division. Brian Garner (47) has been appointed chairman of the Metal Finishing Division of Brent Chemicals International PLC. He is currently managing director of Pyrene Chemical Services, Britain's leading supplier of pretreatment chemicals and a major company within the Brent Chemicals International group. He joined Pyrene in 1976 as marketing director, becoming managing director in 1980.