Descripción
Project Description In Sweden and internationally, there is a growing trend towards replacing ageing ore-based blast furnaces with scrap-based electric arc furnaces for steelmaking. This development is driven by the green transition, as scrap melting can significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared with carbon-based iron ore reduction. The transition is particularly promising for Sweden, where the electricity mix has a relatively low fossil content, enabling even lower emissions. However, the shift from ore-based to scrap-based metallurgy also increases the concentration of impurity elements, meaning that alloying concepts and process choices must be adapted. With increased scrap utilisation, impurity levels have historically risen, and this trend is expected to continue in the future as few alternatives are available besides dilution with high-purity iron sources. To increase the industrial acceptance of trace elements, it is important to establish clear links between impurity concentration and material properties. Previous project results have shown that trace elements may improve some properties, leave others unaffected and deteriorate others. Further work is therefore needed, and this thesis project will contribute to that understanding. As part of a joint industrial research project, Swerim is looking for a master’s thesis student to evaluate how scrap-based steelmaking affects microstructure, mechanical properties and performance. Several laboratory ingots have been produced with varying concentrations of impurity elements. The next step is to evaluate properties such as hardness and impact strength. Bending performance will be assessed on heat-treated samples exposed to hot-shortness conditions, highlighting the potential negative effects of impurities. Finally, microstructural characterisation will be performed to connect processing conditions and impurity content with microstructure, properties and performance. Qualifications We are looking for a student in