Resource-efficient design of durable cast steel enabled by detailed structure-property investigation
Important results from the project
To understand the current challenges required for transition of steel casting into a more resource efficient and sustainable manufacturing process, the pre-study tried to (a) initiate contact and collaboration with foundries and end-users; (b) review the literature, showing a significant gap in systematic study of structure-properties correlation in cast steels and non-homogeneous microstructures; and (c) initial experimental work implementing detailed structure-properties correlation.
Expected long term effects
The results suggest several opportunities for improving the performance and resource efficiency of cast steels. For example, castings usually follow standard compositions with broad ranges. Exploring the possiblity of controlling performance based on microstructure (rather than just chemical composition), especially when it comes to critically raw elements. In addition, by revisiting standard heat treatments, it was possible to get similar properties with shorter heat treatmentsand less energy.
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out through close collaboration of academia, foundries and end-users with different levels of scientific and technical knowledge by literature review and initial experiments. This led to improved understanding of the current needs of steel casting to be transitioned to a more resource efficient process.
The text has been written by the project team. The content is copied from the funding agency’s website and has not been reviewed by the Program Office.