Research Projects

Objective: To develop a nanoceramic-bioglass-polymer based composite material and optimise the composition thereof; To test the antimicrobial properties of the developed material and check the efficacy of the synthesized material using both UTI and RTI models in animals; To test the biodegradability of the developed composite

Summary: In recent times demand of clean steel (low carbon) products is increasing to meet the stringent requirement of end users. MgO-C refractory, ubiquitous in steel making, is one source of carbon in steel. Higher amount of graphite in MgO-C refractory imparts better non-wettability to the molten slag thereby better corrosion resistance of the product. However heat loss from molten metal increases due to high thermal conductivity of graphite. It also causes high carbon pickup by the molten steel; consequently it deteriorates the quality of steel. Furthermore, release of carbon dioxide during different heat treatment of refractory causes environmental pollution. As a result, the refractory manufacturers are facing serious challenges of stringent quality requirement from the market and to develop smart and innovative refractory materials. In the proposed work various nanocarbon sources will be used to develop MgO-C refractories for steel to minimise the carbon pickup from the refractories during refining to produce clean steel. Attempt will also be made to form in-situ nanocarbon/carbon nanotubes in the matrix by pyrolysis using suitable catalyst. The developed refractory will be characterized in terms of physical, mechanical, thermo-mechanical properties, oxidation, thermal shock resistance and microstructure. Different properties will be correlated with the processing parameter vis-a vis developed microstructure, phase assemblage. Prototype MgO-C refractory will be developed and its performance in simulated condition will be evaluated for its prospective commercialization.