Linking market-to-microstructure in an era of nano-designed steels
The steel industry is under continuous pressure to improve productivity, enhance steel properties and demonstrate resource-efficiency.
To support their customers in overcoming these challenges, EVRAZ Vanadium has established a new Research and Development department located in their subsidiary East Metals AG, CH-Zug. It will connect the steel industry with research laboratories, technology suppliers, end-users of advanced steels and designated organizations.
EVRAZ Vanadium R&D will also collaborate closely with VANITEC, the producer’s organization for the Vanadium Industry.
A Sustainable and Safer Future
Given the advent of higher-strength steel in response to market-driven needs for lightweight designs; higher working stresses have placed an even greater emphasis on the performance of steel structures.
A strong focus on failure-tolerant steel and fatigue-reliable design is required for the sophistication of modern engineering components and structures.
We are addressing industrial needs such as:
- Improving the fatigue resistance of welded structures
- Improving fire-resistance in steel-framed buildings
- Improved safety and crashworthiness within the transportation industry
We are taking tangible steps forwards towards realising this future. In addition to this, we also recognise economic trends, such as the EU’s green deal climate policy and clear focus on resource efficiency. Such developments directly addresses the criticality of materials in the future and the lifecycle of constituent alloys within steels.
We have conducted extensive research into the various segments and applications that benefit from vanadium-alloyed steels. Our aim has been to identify the most prevalent needs (also known as “pain points”) facing the end-users within each industrial segment and tracing their steel products back to source. The benefit of this holistic approach is that we gain a full understanding, from market to microstructure.
To illustrate this further, we can provide a short example list of market needs that we have identified and are actively engaging with:
Vanadium can be a key enabler for these prevalent needs, which testifies to the immense versatility of this alloying element in the journey towards improved steel products for the future.
If you wish to discuss some of these topics in further detail or would like to discuss collaboration avenues, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.