As part of ongoing research within the Horizon Europe-funded MSCA Doctoral Network project HELIOS, PhD researcher Mert Saraçoğlu, affiliated with the High Temperature and Industrial Ecology Research Group, presented his latest findings at the 9th International Slag Valorisation Symposium, held in Leuven, Belgium.
Saraçoğlu’s presentation, titled “Slag Formation Mechanisms in Argon Oxygen Decarburisation (AOD): a thermodynamic and experimental approach”, examined the evolution of chromium-containing slags during the AOD process. By combining thermodynamic analysis with experimental methods, the study provides deeper insight into slag behaviour in stainless steel production – a key area for improving sustainability in metallurgical processes.
This work represents an essential milestone in Saracoglu’s PhD research under the HELIOS project, laying the groundwork for his upcoming investigations into the reduction of Cr₂O₃ from stainless steel slags through hydrogen plasma smelting reduction (HPSR). This innovative method holds promise as a low-carbon technology for metal recovery.
Participation in the symposium offered Saraçoğlu the opportunity to engage with key players in the global steel industry and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and advancements in slag valorisation and recovery technologies.
His contribution underscores the HELIOS project’s commitment to advancing research excellence and promoting sustainable practices within high-temperature industrial processes.
