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-S-MART 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.