I am currently writing an article on construction materials, which will focus on China's construction materials manufacturing, and how it affects the European market. I am interested in getting some first hand information from manufacturers in China. Any insights you can give me will be greatly appreciated!

Europe's construction industry appears to have improved over recent years. As a manufacturer, has this affected your business in any way?

Europe's standards of quality for construction materials are very strict, and there have been many claims that products from China are not up to standards. How would you counter this argument? On the other hand if you believe this is true, what steps have you taken to improve upon this situation?

Has your company engaged in the research of new construction materials? If so, can you give some background information on what types and where the demand for this new material comes from?

If you are in the construction materials industry, any insights you can give me regarding business with Europe is very much appreciated.

Thank you for your time!

Replying to [HKSteve]:

Hi Steve,

Can't answer anything reasonable from the top of my head, but love the subject. I was marginally involved in investigations regarding UHPC (ultra-high performance concrete) and didn't follow through because of to the "unavailability" (too expensive) of the required ingredients. But your initiative makes me see the possibility that this might change, and therefore I'll dig out some info for you, whatever I can find, and send it to you.

Uwe (Adimec/Germex)

Replying to [adimec]:

Thanks for your reply, and I appreciate your help!

Replying to [HKSteve]:

Some time ago I offered you info, but unfortunately I'm still very busy. Though there are two subjects you might want to explore:

1) Pozzolans. They are used as additives to cement and replace part of it. If you google "trash to treasure" and "uwe brunjes", you should find an introduction I wrote a few years ago. It needs some updating, but as I said, no time...

2) Magnesium Dioxide. Sold as a replacement for cement or reinforced panels. Great construction material! A little difficult to handle as a cement, as it hardens very fast. And the panels can open doors for new construction systems (I'm working on one).

While reading the related info, look out for additional keywords. That's how I got into alternative construction methods and "uhpc" (ultra high performance concrete). Fascinating!

Replying to [germex]:

Forgot to add that magnesium dioxide is quite abundant in China, as well as pozzolan in the form of fly ash from power plants. The latter would probably have to be "enhanced" (purified and milled to a specific size), but the total supply should be enormous.

Replying to [HKSteve]:
Dear my friend, all you said is happen in china! Chinese manufacturer are all honest. We are one of the honest manufacturer. Do you do business in China?

Replying to [lindy]:
Lindy - claiming that all manufacturers in China (or any country) to all be honest, is a bit over the top.

HKSteve - do you know about REACH and it's implications for the global chemical/mineral/metals market?

Replying to [germex]:
hallo,sir. can you tell me what is title of your experiment about pozzolan (fly ash)? thanks

Replying to [neethi]:

It was not an experiment; just a research. The resulting paper can be read at:
http://ferrocement.net/pozzolans-uwe.html

Though the main focus is on fly ash, it also mentions other pozzolans. Frankly, it's a little outdated, but still so praised by professionals as a good introduction to the subject.

Hope it's helpful, and if you have doubts or questions, feel free to ask.

Replying to [HKSteve]:nothing can answer ,but wish you.good luck