RFCS project PMAPIA
The overall objective of RFCS project PMAPIA is to reduce rejection and requirements for surface rework caused by cracking defects of continuously cast semis by investigating interactions between alloying elements and their effects on micro segregation and precipitation processes during continuous casting (CC).
Boron and Sulphur are responsible for micro segregation and increase the risk of segregation related cracking of CC semis. The interactions between MnS precipitates with B and other alloying elements produce complex effects on hot ductility after solidification. PMAPIA clarifies the source of these hot ductility variations and their relationship with surface cracking during continuous casting and shall incorporate the findings into industrial production.
The specific objectives within this project aim to develop criteria for optimization of steel composition, cooling conditions and strain levels to prevent formation of crack defects in semis during continuous casting of Boron- and other micro-alloyed steel grades with varying Mn and S contents. The project is focused on three areas: industrial plant-based investigation and as-cast semis characterization, pilot plant/laboratory-based research, and numerical simulation.
The project duration
The project duration is 46 months, starting from the 1st of June 2018 to 31st of March 2022.
Partners
CEIT, Materials Processing Institute, RWTH Aachen, Sidenor I+D, Swerim and voestalpine Stahl GmbH