Texture development and inclusion engineering in high silicion non-oriented electrical steels

The project will study the fundamental metallurgy of non-oriented electrical steel texture development and the impact of chemistry and process variables on the product properties especially magnetic core loss and permeability. As texture and inclusion engineering are closely coupled in terms of impact on magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steels, the project will also consider the impact of inclusions and their engineering via process parameters. From this study via literature, data analysis of the Port Talbot - Cogent processes / product and laboratory work, texture development critical texture development criteria will be understood and options for improving texture / inclusion and hence magnetic performance will be developed, trial and implemented within the Port Talbot - Cogent process route. Of particular interest to this project is the impact of process parameters such as heating and cooling rates, annealing time and temperatures on texture evolution and precision. The improvement of magnetic properties of electrical steels is a significant opportunity to reduce the global carbon footprint for industry, transport and domestic applications and in the case of the UK, to develop a significant role in the development of new electrical steel grades which will support the UK steel industry and enable growth of selected UK manufacturers of electrical devices such as motors, cars, buses etc. and compete globally with more efficient products.