Projects / Programmes
Metallic Materials and Technologies
January 1, 2013
- December 31, 2017
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| 2.03.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Energy engineering |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T150 |
Technological sciences |
Material technology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
| 2.03 |
Engineering and Technology |
Mechanical engineering |
Researchers (11)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
35645 |
PhD Jaka Burja |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2015 - 2017 |
0 |
| 2. |
37413 |
PhD Ana Debevec |
Materials science and technology |
Junior researcher |
2014 - 2017 |
0 |
| 3. |
15269 |
PhD Bojan Podgornik |
Materials science and technology |
Head |
2013 - 2017 |
0 |
| 4. |
26237 |
PhD Marko Sedlaček |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2013 - 2017 |
0 |
| 5. |
39121 |
PhD Božo Skela |
Materials science and technology |
Junior researcher |
2016 - 2017 |
0 |
| 6. |
14647 |
PhD Darja Steiner Petrovič |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2013 - 2015 |
0 |
| 7. |
08195 |
PhD Borivoj Šuštaršič |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2013 - 2016 |
0 |
| 8. |
08001 |
PhD Franc Tehovnik |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2013 - 2017 |
0 |
| 9. |
05438 |
PhD Matjaž Torkar |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2013 - 2017 |
0 |
| 10. |
24284 |
PhD Franci Vode |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2013 - 2017 |
0 |
| 11. |
32177 |
PhD Borut Žužek |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2014 - 2017 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Due to ever increasing demands in terms of properties we are constantly faced with the need to develop better, lighter, cheaper metallic materials and technologies. The research trends in metallurgy are focused toward tailor made alloys with better material properties, designed for different fields and applications, and development of energetically efficient and environmentally-friendly advanced metallic materials. Investigations, representing basis for the proposed program, are based on the study of thermodynamics and kinetics of processes in liquid and solid state, diffusion processes, phase transformations at heat treatment, mechanisms of static and dynamic recrystallization and development of simulation models.
Vision of the program is development of new, cleaner and environmentally-friendly metallic materials and steelmaking processes, allowing an efficient use of low quality or secondary raw materials, e.g. slag or low quality scrap. Our aims are mainly focused toward obtaining new knowledge in the field of metallurgical processing, solidification and properties of advanced metallic materials, emphasizing higher cleanness and ecology of materials and technologies. Research topics and aims will therefore include studies of origin, characteristics, formation and type of nonmetallic inclusions in steel, aimed at developing cleaner steels. In the field of electrical steel sheets research will be focused toward new generation of high permeability and low core loss non-oriented electrical steel sheets, and in the field of stainless steel and super-alloys toward effect of two phase microstructure and modeling of spinodal transformation kinetics. From the ecology point of view, program will be oriented on the development of environmentally friendly Pb- and Cd-free solder alloys, reduction of chromium, manganese and iron oxides from VOD slag, and study of mechanisms for in-situ formation of aluminides. Finally, research on the effect of composition, distribution and size of carbide precipitates will enable development of model for creep-resistance prediction.
Although new materials have been developed in the last decades, metallic materials remains the most commonly used materials in industry. From automotive, metal forming, food, to energy production metals hold a significant share. The total production of crude steel in Slovenia in 2010 was reported to be over 600 000 metric tons. The fact, that the steel production in Slovenia is increasing clearly shows the importance and relevance of our program group, which supports the three Slovenian steel plants as well many other companies active in the field of metallic materials (metallurgy).
The proposed program group with its basic and applied knowledge, and sophisticated research equipment represents a well-established base for development of new metallic materials and potential breakthrough in metallurgical science, at the same time supporting end-users to increase competitive advantages
Significance for science
The main scientific contribution of the proposed research program lies in newly acquired basic knowledge on metallurgical processing, solidification and properties of new advanced metallic materials, emphasizing cleaner materials and technologies. Scientific research will enable deeper understanding and explanation of microstructure and nanostructure evolution in complex metallurgical, thermo-mechanical and heat treatment processes. By detailed understanding of thermodynamics and kinetics of processes in liquid and solid state, diffusion processes, phase transformations during heat treatment, mechanisms of static and dynamic recrystallization and effect of inclusions, research work will help making qualitative jump in developing new, cleaner and environmentally-friendly materials and metallurgical technologies. Additionally, more efficient use of low quality or secondary raw materials, e.g. slag or low quality scrap will also be enabled. By explaining the influencing mechanisms of nanoparticles present in the nanostructures of non-oriented electrical steel sheets, development of new generation of high permeability and low core loss electrical steel sheet will be supported. On the other hand, knowledge about phenomena on the interface will lead to explanation of mechanisms enabling in-situ formation of aluminides on a suitable substrate. Finally, results on the effect of carbide precipitates on creep resistance and microstructure evolution during high-temperature operation will allow development of micro-mechanical models for accurate prediction of remaining life-time and reliability of critical components in thermal power-plants, thus having huge impact on the power supply sector.
Results of the scientific research work, presented in the form of patents, contributions at international conferences and publications in recognized international journals and books will contribute to international knowledge pool on processing new, environmentally-friendly and energy efficient metallic materials. Gained knowledge will also contribute to the realization of European requirements for reduced energy consumption, lower level of CO2 emission and higher efficiency of materials production.
Scientific findings will also find practical use, including development of cleaner steels, new generation of high permeability and low core loss electrical steel sheet material, Pb and Cd-free soldering alloys, high temperature resistant protective layers, as well as in establishing new routes in processing of metallic materials.
Significance for the country
Slovenian metallurgy and metal working industry have long tradition in the region and represent important share in BDP and important export segment. Worldsteel Committee on Economic Studies reported production of crude steel in Slovenia in 2010 to be over 600.000 metric tons. The fact, that the steel production in Slovenia is increasing clearly shows the importance and relevance of our research group, which based on knowledge and experiences supports Slovenian steel-plants (Acroni d.o.o., Metal Ravne, d.o.o.,and Štore Steel, d.o.o.) as well as many other companies active in the field of metallurgy and metallic materials. With research results of oriented basic researches and knowledge, research group constantly contributes to the preservation and development of the metallurgy branch in Slovenia. On the other hand, through applied projects, results of the oriented basic research work are effectively transferred into the industry.
Market demands today are cleaner steels with better properties for lower price. That is only possible by oriented R&D work with implementation of new knowledge into general practice. On the other hand, the future of energy is a very important issue in the present electronic-based economy. All sources will be needed to meet growing needs in a sustainable way. Our goal is to support Slovenian industry in developing cleaner steels, improving efficiency of non-oriented electrical steel sheets (production of non-oriented electrical steel in Slovenia is approximately 80 000 metric tons per year), developing Pb- and Cd-free alloys with improved properties and to understand production processes, behavior and properties of advanced metallic materials. Beside development of new metallic materials, proposed research topics will support further progress in the field of metallurgy, allow good engineering practice and help maintaining proper cooperation between research community and industry.
Through presentation of scientific-research results at international conferences and symposia research group will contribute to the international recognition of Institute of metals and technology, Slovenian industry and Slovenia. On the other hand, by supervision of young researchers and involvement of research group members in International postgraduate school Jožef Stefan and University of Ljubljana, new knowledge is efficiently transferred to new generations of engineers and researchers.
The proposed research program gives special attention to selected research topics which have a high relevance for Slovenian metallurgical industry, at the same time representing basis for the development of new energy efficient and environmentally friendly metallic materials and technologies. Slovenia is very small country with only 35% of own energy production and almost no raw materials. Therefore, reduction in energy and raw material consumption is crucial for Slovenia economy. On the other hand, development and production of cleaner, better materials is necessary to maintain sustainable competitive advantage.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
