Abstract

It was the invention of fire, which has given a new shape in the development of humankind. Use of fire to modify metallic structure assisted to have desired shape of raw metal. The necessity of metallic weapon secured the prehistoric life of ancient human. Relic evidence highlighted the fact that, the use of metalwork has an illustrious history, which started with Copper (9000 BC) then different other metals and alloys came into use. With the innovative mind of human being, the use of metal was not limited only in weapon making; different utensils and shelter equipment also got the metallic touch. This feat made them a regional superpower for years to come. Thus, at step, the methodology of metallurgy underwent multiple refinements. Powder Metallurgy (PM) is one such refinement which is concerned with production of metals in their powder form and molding them into various shapes. This form of metallurgy was incorporated into the echelon of metallurgical techniques at around 3000 BC and has seen numerous advancements since then. However, research and study on Metallurgy and Mining is a timely need of present era to provide and meet the global need of metal. Journal of Powder Metallurgy & Mining is devoted to accumulate the information about recent progress in metallurgic science. The recent release of Journal of Powder Metallurgy & Mining presents some interesting findings in the metallurgic field. Liss et al. investigated the history of metal production at Khirbat al– Jariya (KAJ), Jordan and found that the Iron Age populations were aware of the “self–fluxing” property of the local ores for smelting, hints towards a technological sound populace [1]. Shen et al. identified that increasing the SiC particle content results in improved tensile strength and yield strength of the Al–Mg–Cu–Sn matrix composites [2]. Algan et al. observed that addition of borax powder enhances the wear resistance of brake pad pads whereas addition of metallic fibers improves the coefficient of friction [3]. Rani et al. prepared thin films of CdSe:Zn using Electron Beam (EB) evaporation technique [4]. Amiour et al. investigated the microstructure and the shape memory related properties of Cu–Zn–Al alloys [5]. Their results revealed that any modification in the composition of the alloy led to the generation of new phases. Sonmez et al. observed that Mechanical Alloying (MA) in addition to refining the powder of Tungsten (W) composites also increases the dislocations in the powder crystals resulting in plasticity of the alloy, which is eminently desirable [6].