Report : Beijing /Tianjin Study Tour Materials Division had organized a four-day study tour (Mar 18-21, 2008) to Beijing/Tianjin through the support from Professional Services and Development Assistance Scheme (PSDAS) of HKSAR. First we visited to the General Research Institute for Non-ferrous Materials (GRINM). This center is established in Nov 1952, aims to induce researches on non-ferrous materials. The applications may relate to information technology, materials processing and environmental protection. The representatives of the GRINM introduced their recent success & R&D outcomes on non-ferrous materials, which include the followings the sectors A, Particle reinforced composites 1. Laminated composites 2. Ultra-high strength aluminum alloys 3. High strength and high toughness magnesium alloys 4. Diamond synthesis catalysts 5. Thermal spray materials B, Rare earth materials 1. High purity rare earth metals 2. Rare earth special alloys 3. Rare earth phosphors 4. Lumlnescent materials for halide 5. High purity rare earth compounds 6. Rare earth magnetic materials C, Nano technology and materials

1. Metal powders such as Au．Ag．Cu and Ni

2. Oxide powders such as Fe2O3，ZnO，In203，TiO2

3. Flexible and photo-catalysis thin film 4. Bulk materials based on Ni and Al alloy On the second day, the group has a site-visit to the National Stadium (Bird Nest), National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube) and to the CCTV workplace given by the representative (Ir Ronald Li) of the Ova Arup. In fact, Ova Arup is the leading structural consultant of these construction projects. Besides, Ova Arup also gave us a briefing session on their other projects in the capital, consisting of Beijing Airport Terminal 3, Central Park I, II III & IV; Prosper Centre and CCTV building. Here are the recaps of the visits:

A, The construction of Beijing National Aquatic Centre was completed in 2007. 17,000 seats capacity was available for the Beijing Olympics, 22,000 steel members with 4,000 bubbles to form water cube structure were installed. B, National Stadium started in 2003 with 36 km of steel members for structures, it completed in March 2008. C, CCTV building started in 2003 and to be completed in 2009. 234 meters tall building with tower inclined 6 degrees in both directions to create a continuous .geometric form. Meanwhile, Ova Arup revealed the lastest technology tools and devices that have applied on these construction projects, including: A, CAE simulation tools on structural design B, New material application of PTFE on enhancing sunlight penetration C, UV resistance coating to maintain the original colors of the building D, New fire resist materials on steel construction substances for safety control Our group also joined the Tianjin Bun Hoi District Planning & Construction Exhibition to learn the new city development of Tianjin and its economic planning development. Then, we visited Tianjin Motimo membrane technology Ltd as well as the Qingyuan Electric Vehicle Co. Ltd.. Both companies focus on the development of Eco-products, specializing in: A, Waste water recycling by new membrane fabrication and diffusion techniques B, Replacement of conventional fossil fuel by clean energy source, such as electricity. Number of participants: 31