Development of fossil free casting powders
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 090 000 |
| Project duration | November 2021 - November 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Metallic material |
| Call | Metallic materials - Non-thematic call 2021 |
Important results from the project
The overall goal of the project was to investigate whether biochar can replace fossil carbon in casting powders to reduce fossil emissions during casting. This has been achieved through the development of biochar-based casting powders and industrial trials at four Swedish steel companies. The results show that biochar can replace fossil carbon in continuous casting with adjustments to carbon content and composition. For ingot casting, process problems remain that require further development.
Expected long term effects
In the long term the project is expected to contribute to a decreased use of fossil materials such as coke and graphite in casting powders during casting, which will contribute to a lower climate impact in the steel industry. Initially, the effect will mainly be seen in continuous casting where the trials were most successful. An obstacle to the use of biochar-based casting powders is the higher price of the material compared to its fossil alternatives.
Approach and implementation
The project implementation included a survey of available biochar and extensive characterization of their properties. A study of the impact of biochar on the melting rate of the casting powder, where the necessary carbon content of biochar was determined. Production of trial powder on an industrial scale (>2000kg) and factory trials at four Swedish steel companies. Most of the work was carried out within the consortium, but a third party had to be hired for the milling of one ton of biochar.