Sheet metal forming belongs to one of the most important technologies enabling the production durable but quite lightweight metal parts. The quality of the drawn parts depends on the deformed sheet metal, applied forming technology and process parameters, such as contact pressure, relative velocity, temperature or lubrication. The forming of steel (1.4021) parts using benign lubricant is analysed. The paper proposes replacing conventional mineral/synthetic lubricants with ones based on vegetable oils and boric acid. The effectiveness of the lubricants was assessed in laboratory strip drawing and cupping tests, and in production. An oil-based lubricant with an additive of boric acid is very effective in reducing frictional resistance and protecting the forming tools against galling. Graphic

Public awareness of the need to protect the environment deepens and expands to new areas of life, including new technologies used in civil engineering. These technologies include, among others, the technology of photocatalytic concrete products, which are capable of purifying air. The use of this type of technology is closely linked with the campaign for Sustainable Development. The article discusses the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide and its use in various industries. The test results of TioCem^® CEM II/A-S 42.5 cement and Portland CEM I 42.5 cement based on experiments performed with bars made of standardized mortar are presented.

Titanium is most likely to play more important role in future civil applications. Its excellent properties such as: low density, high mechanical strength and good corrosion resistance give it some advantages and open the way for new applications both in modern technology and civil engineering. In many ways (e.g. specific strength, corrosion resistance) titanium, especially its alloys outstrip typical structural materials such as steel and aluminium alloys. The article discusses properties of titanium and its alloys, which are especially important in civil engineering applications due to their properties: low density, resistance to sea water and salty atmospheres of seashores, low coefficient of thermal expansion and excellent aesthetic qualities. Although the use of titanium in civil application is still limited it is expected that a demand for titanium building materials will steadily grow in the future. The characteristic titanium applications in the worldwide civil engineering are presented. It is highlighted that despite high cost of titanium relative to other materials, over a long span of 20 or more years titanium tends to be cheaper in terms of life-cycle costs. Furthermore, the article investigates the difficulties and opportunities associated with shaping titanium sheets. In the paper, some technological problems (e.g. low drawability, high susceptibility to galling and high spring-back) occurring in the sheet-titanium forming processes are discussed.

This article emphasizes the significance of understanding the actual thermal properties of thermal insulation materials, which are crucial for avoiding errors in building design and estimating heat losses within the energy balance. The aim of this study was to analyse the thermal parameters of selected thermal insulation materials, particularly in the context of their stability after a period of storage under specific conditions. The materials chosen for this study include commonly used construction insulations such as polystyrene and mineral wool, as well as modern options like rigid foam composites. Experimental studies were conducted, including the determination of the thermal conductivity coefficient λ, as well as numerical analyses and analytical calculations of heat flow through a double-layer external wall with a window. The numerical analyses were performed using the TRISCO software version 12.0w, based on the finite element method (FEM). A macrostructural analysis of the investigated materials was also performed. The findings indicated that improper storage conditions adversely affect the thermal properties of insulation materials. Specifically, storing materials outdoors led to a deterioration in insulating properties, with an average reduction of about 4% for the standard materials and as much as 19% for the tested composite material. Insufficient understanding of the true thermal properties of insulation materials can result in incorrect insulation layer thickness, degrading the fundamental thermal parameters of external walls. This, in turn, increases heat loss through major building surfaces, raises heating costs, and indirectly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.