Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hiroyuki Matsuura, Xiao Yang, Guangqiang Li, Zhangfu Yuan, Fumitaka Tsukihashi
Summary: The treatment of ironmaking and steelmaking slags is crucial for the sustainable development of the steel industry. Japan and China are two major steel producing countries that have been focusing on developing new technologies to reduce slag emissions or promote slag utilization. While Japan has achieved almost complete reuse or recycling of slags, future applications in conventional sectors may be challenging due to stagnant infrastructural investments. China, on the other hand, has steadily increased the utilization ratios of ironmaking and steelmaking slags through technological advances, although increasing the utilization ratio of basic oxygen furnace slags remains a major challenge.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINERALS METALLURGY AND MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Zhiyuan Fan, S. Julio Friedmann
Summary: With the urgency to transition to a net-zero CO2 economy, governments and industries are focusing on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like steel making. Current decarbonization technologies have limitations, and achieving deep decarbonization in the iron and steel industry will require a combination of factors including cost and technical maturity.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xinyu Zhang, Kexin Jiao, Jianliang Zhang, Ziyu Guo
Summary: In the context of global climate change, steel companies have become major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Many countries are focusing on emission reduction technologies in the steel industry, with various projects and initiatives aimed at optimizing the metallurgical industry and showcasing development direction and progress. This cutting-edge research is essential for shaping the future of the industry and addressing climate change.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xin Lu, Weijian Tian, Hui Li, Xinjian Li, Kui Quan, Hao Bai
Summary: This study discusses the decarbonization options of China's ironmaking and steelmaking sector using a systematic three-dimensional low-carbon analysis. It emphasizes the importance of considering the three-dimensional aspects, particularly the energy structure, in quantitatively evaluating decarbonization roadmaps based on novel technologies or processes. Promoting scrap utilization and the substitution of carbon-based energy are critical. The development of scrap-based EAF or DR-EAF processes is highly encouraged due to their lower process general emission factor (PGEF). The three-dimensional method can be applied to other industries such as cement production and thermal electricity generation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINERALS METALLURGY AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xianmei Liu, Rui Peng, Caiquan Bai, Yuanying Chi, Hao Li, Pibin Guo
Summary: This study evaluates the environmental impact of China's iron and steel industry and explores deep decarbonisation pathways. The blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace process has a significant contribution to global warming potential, while converter negative energy steelmaking technology has the highest energy savings. Technological improvement can significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the industry.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Yuanhao Chen, Honghao Liang, Hong Du, Valentina Jesumani, Weiling He, Kit-Leong Cheong, Tangcheng Li, Ting Hong
Summary: The world is currently facing hunger issues and new environmentally friendly food sources are needed. Microalgae offer potential as a source of nutrients and bioactive components for high-value products. However, there are problems in the microalgae food industry, such as evaluating nutritional value and limited market data.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Gabriel Lopez, Tansu Galimova, Mahdi Fasihi, Dmitrii Bogdanov, Christian Breyer
Summary: As the European Union takes more actions on the climate emergency, industries that are difficult to reduce energy consumption have gained increased attention, especially the steel industry which is crucial to the European economy. With the development of new hydrogen-based steelmaking technologies, the global steel production and supply chains will shift from relying on low-cost coal resources to low-cost electricity and hydrogen production. This study explores the techno-economic options for three European countries, including Germany, Spain, and Finland, and analyzes different steel supply chain configurations compared to local production.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Yingyi Zhang, Laihao Yu, Kunkun Cui, Hong Wang, Tao Fu
Summary: With the rapid development of economy and industrialization, the consumption of natural resources has increased dramatically, leading to environmental degradation caused by greenhouse gas emissions and industrial solid waste. Using natural minerals or industrial solid waste for carbon dioxide capture and utilization is considered a feasible and promising technology. This paper summarizes the carbonation pathways and carbon capture mechanisms of industrial solid wastes, particularly steel-making slags, and evaluates the effects of different carbonation pathways on the carbonation capacity of steel-making slags. Furthermore, it analyzes the industrial application status, challenges, and prospects of carbon dioxide carbonation technology of steel-making slags.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jiaxian Shi, Changbin Qi, Xinxin Mu
Summary: Accelerating the development of a unified domestic market is crucial for establishing a high-level socialist market economy and promoting China's sustainable economic development. This study analyzes the internal mechanisms for accelerating the formation of a unified domestic market based on the general law of the market economy. It also identifies existing challenges, such as a lack of understanding of the concept of a unified domestic market, institutional barriers, limited openness to the outside world, and uneven infrastructure development. Policy suggestions include strengthening theoretical study and research, unifying fundamental institutional systems and market rules, and promoting high-level opening and connectivity of market facilities. This research provides a theoretical and policy reference for the sustainable development of China's economy.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pasquale Daniele Cavaliere, Angelo Perrone, Alessio Silvello
Summary: The paper discusses the production of hydrogen through sustainable routes, focusing on water electrolysis technologies and related purification and energy efficiency issues, as well as potential applications in the steel industry.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Milena Ribeiro Gomes, Tim Leber, Tobias Tillmann, Dorothea Kenn, Daniela Gavagnin, Thorsten Tonnesen, Jesus Gonzalez-Julian
Summary: The iron and steelmaking industry accounts for 7-9% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Efforts are being made to reduce these emissions, and hydrogen is emerging as a key solution. Hydrogen is projected to replace reducing agents in the direct reduction processes and can be used as a more sustainable fuel in industrial furnaces. However, the effects of hydrogen exposure on refractory lining are not fully understood.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Li Zeng, Zhong Zheng, Xiaoyuan Lian, Kai Zhang, Mingmei Zhu, Kaitian Zhang, Chaoyue Xu, Fei Wang
Summary: This work studies the dynamic scheduling problem of hot metal ladles in the steel plant and develops a data-driven three-layer approach to solve this problem. A dynamic scheduling optimization model with a minimum average turnover time as the objective is constructed. The proposed method effectively reduces the fluctuation and operation time of the hot metal ladle and improves the stability of the ironmaking and steelmaking interface production rhythm.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINERALS METALLURGY AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Economics
Clare Richardson-Barlow, Andrew J. Pimm, Peter G. Taylor, William F. Gale
Summary: This research aims to examine policy and pricing barriers to decarbonisation of the UK steel industry, providing technical policy solutions through techno-economic modelling. Findings suggest that green steelmaking options have advantages in terms of cost and emissions, with recommendations made to remove carbon pricing discrepancies and reduce industrial electricity prices.
Article
Environmental Studies
Floris Swennenhuis, Vincent de Gooyert, Heleen de Coninck
Summary: A rapid transition towards a CO2-neutral steel industry is crucial to address climate change, but it raises justice concerns. By assessing the justice implications of different emission reduction options, this study finds variations in justice between technological routes, with regional differences in stakeholder impacts. Transparency regarding sector-specific justice implications is essential for decision-making.
ENERGY RESEARCH & SOCIAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wonjae Choi, Sanggyu Kang
Summary: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the steel industry is a top priority for mitigating climate change. This paper quantitatively analyzes the greenhouse gas reduction in steel mills by using hydrogen produced from electrolysis with renewable electricity, and compares different methods of using green hydrogen. The results show that direct use of hydrogen in steelmaking processes achieves the largest reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but has the highest cost. Converting byproduct gases into methanol offers better reduction and lower cost compared to converting them into methane. In the future, the cost of the methanol method is predicted to be lower than that of selling hydrogen.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Behnam Dashtbozorg, Xiao Tao, Hanshan Dong
Summary: Active-screen plasma (ASP) has shown great potential as a versatile surface engineering solution for enhancing the properties of biopolymers and carbon-based materials. By introducing moieties, modifying chemical bonding, changing morphology, and improving wettability, ASP treatments can improve the biocompatibility of biopolymers and enhance the performance of carbon-based materials.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yana Liang, Xiaoying Li, Mauro Giorcelli, Alberto Tagliaferro, Costas Charitidis, Hanshan Dong
Summary: The modification of PAN-derived carbon fibres using ASP technology with gas mixtures resulted in a more than 30% improvement in the interfacial shear strength with epoxy substrate. The enhanced adhesion mechanisms were attributed to increased chemical bonding, improved surface hydrophilicity, and enhanced van der Waals bonding.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhenxue Zhang, Eleni Gkartzou, Simon Jestin, Dionisis Semitekolos, Panagiotis-Nektarios Pappas, Xiaoying Li, Anna Karatza, Panagiotis Zouboulis, Aikaterini-Flora Trompeta, Nikolaos Koutroumanis, Costas Galiotis, Costas Charitidis, Hanshan Dong
Summary: A polyamide (PA) 12-based thermoplastic composite was modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), CNTs grafted onto chopped carbon fibers (CFs), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to enhance its thermal conductivity for application as a heat sink in electronic components. The addition of 15 wt% GNPs and 1 wt% CNTs showed the highest thermal conductivity in the composite material.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sandra Roche, Gemma Ibarz, Cristina Crespo, Agustin Chiminelli, Andreia Araujo, Raquel Santos, Zhenxue Zhang, Xiaoying Li, Hanshan Dong
Summary: This study developed self-sensing materials that can indicate material damage through an evident optical signal. Fluorescent core-shell microcapsules were synthesized in an oil-water emulsion by in situ polymerization and embedded in a black epoxy resin, releasing a revealing substance during damage processes to detect microcracks in the material. The morphology, chemical structure, size distribution, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of the microcapsules were characterized, and the mechanical and optical characterizations of the composite were performed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenxue Zhang, Yuejiao Zhang, Xiao Tao, Ke Liu, Andrew Burns, Peize Li, Tatiana Mukinay, Xiaoying Li, Hanshan Dong
Summary: This study discovered that pre-deposited silver on the surface of Ti6Al4V alloy can significantly accelerate oxidation and generate a larger surface area of compact oxide layer. However, silver has a less profound effect on the oxidation of other titanium alloys that don't contain vanadium. The presence of vanadium and silver plays a critical role in activating oxygen and promoting its diffusion in the oxide layer.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Xiao Tao, John Kavanagh, Xiaoying Li, Hanshan Dong, Allan Matthews, Adrian Leyland
Summary: This study investigated the microstructural evolution, surface hardening, and general corrosion properties of a precipitation-strengthened Inconel 718 Ni-superalloy after triode-plasma nitriding at low and high treatment temperatures. The results showed different nitriding responses and nitride formation mechanisms at different temperatures.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marc Bruggeman, Mischa Zelzer, Hanshan Dong, Artemis Stamboulis
Summary: This study focuses on the interpretation of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of different ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) surfaces. By employing ab initio orbital calculations and Koopmans' theorem, the core-electron binding energies (CEBEs) of various possible chemical functionalities on PE-based model structures were evaluated. The calculated Delta CEBEs were used to develop a material-specific peak model for the interpretation of XPS spectra of PE-based materials.
SURFACE AND INTERFACE ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhenxue Zhang, Denise Bellisario, Fabrizio Quadrini, Simon Jestin, Francesca Ravanelli, Mauro Castello, Xiaoying Li, Hanshan Dong
Summary: Different versatile nanoindentation investigation techniques were used to study three multifunctional smart composites for next-generation applications, aiming to determine their specific properties and interactions, and to examine the peculiarities of charge/matrix, charge/surface, or smart functions interactions.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Denise Bellisario, Fabrizio Quadrini, Leandro Iorio, Loredana Santo, Zhenxue Zhang, Xiaoying Li, Hanshan Dong, Dionisis Semitekolos, Georgios Konstantopoulos, Costas A. Charitidis
Summary: Microscopic testing has been conducted on shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) manufactured with commercial materials used in aerospace. The results were compared with conventional macro-scale tests. Different SMPC laminates were studied to evaluate their lightweight and stiff sandwich structures with shape memory properties. The recovery mechanisms at the micro-scale were identified and found to affect the shape memory performances at the macro-scale.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhiyuan Jing, Weiling Guo, Helong Yu, Shaojun Qi, Xiao Tao, Yulin Qiao, Wei Zhang, Xiaoying Li, Hanshan Dong
Summary: In this study, a simultaneous approach to reducing, nitrogen doping and noble metals coating of graphene oxide (GO) using an active-screen plasma (ASP) technique is reported. By doping noble metals and a small amount of iron and chromium, reduction, nitrogen doping and noble metals coating can be achieved on graphene oxide, resulting in a significant improvement in its electrical properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhen Wang, Jian Chen, Shangqi Sun, Zhiquan Huang, Xiyu Zhang, Xiaoying Li, Hanshan Dong
Summary: This review focuses on the application and development of plasma technologies in electrochemical energy storage systems, with emphasis on their contributions to alkali-ion batteries, metal-based batteries, and supercapacitors. The review discusses the use of plasma technologies in synthesizing and modifying advanced materials, such as electrode materials, current collectors, and separators. It also highlights how these technologies facilitate the regulation of electrode material properties and the development of new materials. The progress on current collectors and separators is also discussed, along with future research directions, challenges, and opportunities in plasma technologies for electrochemical energy storage systems.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiao Tao, Thomas John Collins, Qingshuo Ao, Huibin Liu, Behnam Dashtbozorg, Xiaoying Li, Hanshan Dong
Summary: In this study, Fe-24Mn-2Al-0.45C TWIP steel was investigated after active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) treatment at temperatures ranging from 350-480 degrees C. The study revealed a selective oxidation mechanism on TWIP steel during ASPN treatment at 480 degrees C, resulting in a different hardness-depth profile compared to lower temperatures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenxue Zhang, Mikdat Gurtaran, Xiaoying Li, Hio-Ieng Un, Yi Qin, Hanshan Dong
Summary: In this study, N-type and P-type BiTe-based thin films were deposited on silicon, glass, and Kapton HN polyimide foil using magnetron sputtering technique. The morphology, microstructure, and phase constituents of the thin films were characterized by SEM/EDX, XRD, and TEM. The electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient were measured by an advanced in-plane test system. The power output (open-circuit voltage and electric current) of the thin films was measured at different temperature gradients using a custom-built apparatus. The impact of deposition parameters and the dimensions of the thin films on the power output were investigated to optimize the thin-film flexible TE device for thermal energy harvesting.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoan Yang, G. M. A. M. El-Fallah, Qing Tao, Jun Fu, Chenlei Leng, Jenny Shepherd, Hongbiao Dong
Summary: Steel manufacturing is a complex process with numerous process parameters affecting the mechanical properties of final products. Machine learning models have been used to predict these properties, but interpretability is a challenge. This study uses iGATE to reduce input dimensions and successfully predict mechanical properties of hot-rolled steel plates.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jian Wang, G. M. A. M. El-Fallah, Zhenqian Wang, Hui Li, Hongbiao Dong, Qing Tao
Summary: This study focuses on enhancing the strength of low-carbon martensitic steel through the refinement of the prior austenite grain size. The results showed that ultra-rapid heating and heavy cold deformation resulted in an impressive tensile strength exceeding 2 GPa, along with a higher hardness. The study also investigated the effect of high-temperature holding time on the austenite phase.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2023)
