Turning scrap metal into hi-tech alloys

By Neil Goalby2021-11-26T08:53:00

Two men control a mechanical claw to grab scrap metal at a recycling plant

Source: © Getty Images

Electrochemically stripping carbon from steel during recycling

Sectors such as the electronics and automotive industries are dependent on ultra-low carbon steels for thin car body panels or precision alloying. Researchers have found a new process for electrochemically removing carbon from steel during recycling to create ultra-pure low-carbon steel. It’s believed that the technology required could be integrated into steel mills, allowing the recycling of high-carbon steel into higher-grade metal, which is more in demand for hi-tech industries.

Find out more and download the starter slide to use with your class and give a new context when studying studying alloys with your 14–16 students.

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