NWO OTP grant for Particles on the Edge (PLEDGE) project
鈥楶articles on the Edge (PLEDGE): Second-phase particles governing the ultimate properties of advanced high-strength green steels鈥� project led by Professor Marc Geers receives almost 1 million euros funding from the OTP Program of NWO.
This assigned project, which finished 1st in the ranking for this round, will investigate second phase particles that play an important role in strengthening steel. Since these particles are less controlled in steel made partly from recycled materials, this makes strengthening green steel more difficult. Research into these particles improves the core properties of steel and the production process of green steel.
Future high-strength steels must be stronger, tougher and more ductile. However, future generations of steel will be produced differently, using a hydrogen-based 'green steel' process. More recycled (scrap) material is added. The improvement of properties is strongly determined by the second-phase particles in the metal microstructure. However, these particles are often less controlled in green and recycled steel. This poses an enormous challenge for future steel development, where the microscopic dominant role of those second-phase particles must be investigated. This project aims to improve the core properties of steel, while simultaneously decreasing the threats from the green steel production process.
6 Research Projects granted
The board of NWO Domain Applied and Engineering Sciences has awarded funding to six research projects through the Open Technology Program. In total, NWO is funding these projects with over 5 million euros, companies involved and other organizations are investing over 1 million euros in these projects. The Open Technology Program provides funding for excellent research, with a view to potential application of the results. The program gives companies and other organizations a low-threshold way to join scientific research that should lead to applicable knowledge.
The Open Technology Program
The Open Technology Program provides funding for application-oriented technical-scientific research that is free and unfettered and unhindered by disciplinary boundaries. The program offers companies and other organizations an accessible way to participate in scientific research that should lead to social and/or scientific impact.(Source NWO).
Co-applicants: Ron Peerlings and Johan Hoefnagels.