Nanoparticle evolution during critical processing steps and their impact on material properties
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 500 000 |
| Project duration | November 2023 - January 2026 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Research infrastructure - utilisation and collaboration |
| Call | Development project for increased industrial utilization of neutron and synchrotron light-based technologies, 2023 |
Important results from the project
The project aimed to understanding of how nanoprecipitates form, dissolve and evolve during industrial thermal processing, and how these changes affect the properties of duplex stainless steel, electrical steel and aluminium alloys. This goal was achieved through close collaboration between Swerim, Outokumpu, Gränges and Surahammars Bruk, combining laboratory methods, large‑scale scattering experiments and simulations to successfully link processing conditions to microstructural evolution.
Expected long term effects
The project is expected to enable more efficient, data‑driven and sustainable material and process development. The improved understanding of nanoprecipitation and phase evolution will help companies design more stable alloys, reduce production variability and optimise heat‑treatment, especially as circular and scrap‑based production grows. Strengthened collaboration and high‑throughput characterization routines will support faster innovation and build national capability for future research.
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out through close collaboration between Swerim and three industrial partners, at P21 and P07 beamlines at Petra III (DESY), and SANS-I at SINQ (PSI). Laboratory SEM, TEM and APT provided initial microstructural insight, followed by highthroughput ex‑situ and in‑situ SAXS/WAXS experiments to track precipitation during controlled thermal cycles. Experimental results were combined with thermodynamic simulations ensuring that the work aligned with each company’s processes.