Upscaling of digital materials development and novel steel solution

Purpose and goal

The project aimed to prepare for commercial utilization of a new data-driven steel development methodology and to use that methodology to develop a new duplex stainless steel with unprecedented performance at elevated temperature. The project has successfully used the methodology based on AI and with its help developed a new duplex steel that is now being verified for further implementation. The development methodology can also be used for other steel development projects and further general implementation is now being evaluated. The purpose of the project has thus been fulfilled.

Expected results and effects

The developed duplex steel alloy has been shown in testing to have a service life that is approximately twice as long at elevated temperature as conventional duplex steel. The new alloy can provide great competitive advantages when used in chemical plants and power plants where durability at elevated use temperatures is crucial. The data-driven development method used has significantly accelerated the development of the duplex steel and can become a key technology for the transition from trial-and-error to data-driven material development.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was divided into five work packages: WP 1: Model development. WP 2: Optimization of alloy and production. WP 3: Pilot scale test. WP 4: Quality control. WP 5: Define Go to Market Strategy. All work packages have been executed successfully with some minor adjustments in the time plan. The alloy was optimized using the new methodology and produced and tested in pilot scale. A Go to market strategy was developed, but the work continues together with an industrial partner to refine the strategy and eventually enable full-scale implementation. This may require certification etc.