Molycop, a globally renowned leader in the supply of mining consumables and associated services, has joined forces with Queen Mary University London (QMUL) in an exciting research agreement for a pioneering PhD project. The project focuses on enhancing chemical composition and heat treatment techniques for martensitic steels.

Leading this groundbreaking endeavour are distinguished metallurgist Professor Harry Bhadeshia; Senior Lecturer in Materials and Solid Mechanics at QMUL, Dr Chinnapat Panwisawas; Senior Tribology Engineer at Molycop, Dr Hamid Pourasiabi; and Vice President of Global Innovation at Molycop, Dr Paul Shelley. Their combined expertise will be instrumental in achieving the project's core objective of quantitatively analysing the impact of chemical composition and heat treatment on martensitic steels, particularly in extreme environments where these steels excel. At QMUL they will be working with PhD student Rajdeep Mondal.

This collaborative research initiative holds substantial promise for both Molycop and QMUL. For Molycop, the project is set to enhance the performance and sustainability of its grinding media products, potentially leading to the integration of innovative technologies. Meanwhile, for QMUL, the project presents an exciting challenge that will foster fresh knowledge development, possibly leading to practical applications within the industrial sphere. The thrill lies in seeing fundamental scientific insights transform into real-world solutions.

Dr Paul Shelley, Vice President of Global Innovation at Molycop, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "The research partnership between Molycop and Queen Mary University London, centred around optimising the chemical composition and heat treatment of martensitic steels, holds immense potential. This collaboration is set to drive innovation, sustainability, and a competitive edge for Molycop while simultaneously bolstering the research capabilities of Queen Mary University London. We eagerly anticipate the progress and outcomes of this collaborative research."

Professor Harry Bhadeshia highlighted the project's uniqueness, stating, "This project is exceptional as we aim to tackle a highly complex challenge by formulating a theory rooted in thermodynamics and kinetics. Our goal is to streamline the process of creating new alloys by reducing resource consumption. Additionally, we will investigate the steel's behaviour under conditions of repeated severe impacts during extended service. The journey ahead is an exciting one as we strive to develop the world's first bulk nanostructured steel, tailored for a specific application within Molycop."

This collaboration between Molycop and Queen Mary University London signifies a remarkable stride in scientific and industrial partnership, poised to yield transformative advancements in materials science. As the project unfolds, updates on its progress will undoubtedly be keenly anticipated and widely shared.