Project Acronym
NANO-S-MART
Unlocking the effect of residual elements via the NANOengineering of Sustainable MARTensitic steels
Project reference
HORIZON-CL4-2024-TWIN-TRANSITION-01
Project coordinator
Ceit (Ceit Technology Center)
Number
101178431
EU Grant
~3 M€
Project Start Date
2024-11-01
Project End Date
2028-10-31
Type of Action
HORIZON-RIA Research and Innovation Actions (Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA).
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement 101178431
OBJETIVE
The NANO-S-MART project is dedicated to the development of innovative steel applications with low carbondioxide (CO2) emissions. The project aims to leverage innovative low CO2 production methods, combining DRI and EAF, to enhance scrap utilization (ESU) in as-quenched and quenched+tempered (Q&T) martensitic steels. However, the increased use of scrap is expected to introduce levels of residual elements never seen before into the steel composition, impacting its properties. Consequently, there is a need to re-engineer martensitic steels for compatibility with these new production routes. The objective of this project is to systematically map and evaluate the impact of the increase in residual element levels and the influence of processing, at macro-, micro- and nano-scale level in as-quenched and quenched+tempered martensitic steels.
DESCRIPTION
The European steel industry is at a critical juncture, squeezed between brutal market conditions and the commitment to mitigate climate change. The iron and steel industry is responsible for high greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), constituting 5.7% of the total emissions in the EU (2.2 tonnes CO2 per tonne of crude steel cast, refer to World Steel data). Several European steel producers (including ArcelorMittal) have committed to fulfilling the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and aligning with the European Union’s target of achieving zero emissions by 2050, as part of the Green Deal initiative. These engagements entail a shift from the predominant method of steel production, currently reliant on blast furnace/basic oxygen furnace (BF/BOF) technology, to cleaner production techniques characterized by significantly lower CO2 emissions.
As the industry shifts toward cleaner production methods, particularly those utilizing electric-arc furnaces (EAF) and emphasizing the recycling of iron scrap, concerns arise about the potential contamination of steel with residual elements like Cu, Sn, As, Sb, and P.
The NANO-S-MART project emerges as a response to this pressing need, focusing on the systematic and in-depth analysis of the impact of residual elements in martensitic steels. Martensitic steels, vital across key sectors such as construction, automotive, energy, and defense, play a pivotal role in the EU’s efforts to achieve climate neutrality and increase renewable energy usage. The project addresses macro, micro, and nano-scale considerations, encompassing the entire steel production process. NANO-SMART project aims to provide clear guidelines for redesigning grades and validating technologies in relevant environments. By bridging knowledge gaps and embracing cutting-edge technologies, NANO-S-MART endeavors to revolutionize martensitic steel production, contributing to a sustainable and circular economy in the EU.