Gécamines, through its Central Panda Workshops with the acronym ACP, manufactures several items using natural and synthetic rubber. These materials are used to absorb shocks in structures such as tarpaulins, channels, pump volutes, and others, and to limit the abrasion of metallic materials that would occur due to pulp particles. Other properties linked to the application must be taken into account in the formulation of these materials, including breaking resistance, elongation, aging, and so on. Generally speaking, the composition of these rubber materials is made with a reinforcing clay filler such as kaolin imported from London. Since clay materials are abundant in our environment, we set out to study the impact of replacing this kaolin with a local clay mechanically transformed into fine powders (KALUBWE clay) on the modification of the mechanical properties required for these rubber articles. We note from our experiments conducted according to a Gécamines workshop formula named P 760 based on natural rubber and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber that the substitution of imported kaolin by KALUBWE clay prepared according to our experimental conditions is possible with a reduction in its share in the rubber, since it tends to increase the mechanical properties of vulcanizates.

As a practitioner of Non-Destructive Testing, the control of the weld is one of the most delicate exercises and of great importance considering that, the pooling of two materials of different chemical compositions, by the contribution of another material (formerly) is a demanding operation. Mastering the practice of welding implies knowledge of certain parameters which include welding processes, qualification and certification of welding practitioner’s method and the various related standards. IN Lubumbashi, town of Haut-Katanga, several welding points (stations) are installed, some along major arteries.