Contribution of the Chair of Ferrous Metallurgy at the Montanuniversitaet Leoben to Enhance the Sustainability of Steel Production and Application

The research work at the Chair of Ferrous Metallurgy at the Montanuniversitaet Leoben contributes in different aspects to a sustainable steel production and application. New advanced methods for characterization of ferrous raw material and carbon carriers are developed with the aim to enhance the efficiency for the use of raw materials and energy input in the blast furnace as well as in direct and smelting reduction processes. The chair is involved in the development of new breakthrough technologies such as endless strip production and hydrogen smelting reduction, sponsored by the Austrian industries. This venture is a contribution to reduce the fossil fuel energy consumption and an enhancement of steel production with lesser carbon consumption. A valuable contribution to the sustainable use of steel in products is done by the research on the prevention of defect formation in casting processes or the control of the nature, shape, and size of non-metallic inclusions.