- Written by Robert McCaffrey Editorial director, Global Gypsum Magazine
Gypsum is wonderful stuff. It occurs in nature widely, but can also be synthesised. It is endlessly recyclable. It is fire-resistant and fairly durable. It can be moulded into intricate forms that will then endure for centuries (plaster has been used in buildings for practical and artistic purposes in civilisations from the ancient Egyptians onwards). Although gypsum has an ‘Achilles heel’ - it does not perform very well in the presence of water or moisture - this weakness can be modified with the addition of waxes, silicones or other water-proofing chemicals. Gypsum can be processed at relatively low temperatures (particularly when compared to high-temperature processes like cement clinkerisation at 1450°C). Due to its recyclability, low embodied energy, low embodied CO2 and its relatively low cost, gypsum is very widely used in a variety of industries for its chemical, mineralogical and physical-mechanical properties. In many applications, it has no economic or practical substitute.
- Written by Robert McCaffrey Editorial director, Global Gypsum Magazine
Our recent Global CemPocess Conference on process optimisation in the cement industry was a bit of an eye-opener. The event started with a presentation by Jose Favilla of the IBM Industry Academy, ostensibly about ‘Industry 4.0’ in manufacturing. This concept has been heralded as the next industrial revolution, although it could also be called ‘the last industrial revolution,’ since after this one, there will be nothing left to improve.
- Written by Robert McCaffrey Editorial director, Global Gypsum Magazine
I've recently read a book called 'Postcapitalism,' by Paul Mason, which was subtitled 'A guide to our future.' The blurb on the front, written by Irvine Welsh, stated that it was 'The most important book about our economy and society to be published in my lifetime.' Having completed the book, I'm disinclined to believe the veracity of Mr Welsh's statement. However, the book did have some interesting points to make, which might impact on everyone involved in the global gypsum industry.
- Written by Robert McCaffrey Editorial director, Global Gypsum Magazine
How much debt is the right amount? My guess is that everyone reading this column will have a slightly different answer. Some might say, 'Neither a borrower nor a lender be,' or words to that effect, suggesting that their level of debt is zero. Some will no doubt have too much debt - where the repayments are not affordable. Most readers will have some level of debt (on a mortgage, car payments, credit cards etc) and will find that the level of repayments is currently affordable. Hopefully no readers are subject to the depradations of usury: the practice of making unethical or immoral monetary loans that unfairly enrich the lender1.
- Written by Robert McCaffrey Editorial director, Global Gypsum Magazine
What would you do if the doctor said to you that you had six months to live?
