Fully Funded M2A EngD Scholarship: Development of Cr Free Rolls for Steel Production to Meet New Environmental Challenges

Start date: October 2019

Supervisor: Professor P Holliman

Sponsoring company: Tata Steel

In the cold rolling process, the final surface finish of the strip is dependent upon conditions in the roll bite of the last rolling stand, principally the roughness of the roll performing the reduction, and the lubrication conditions. To maintain these conditions, rolls are chromium plated. New environmental legislation will result in this chrome plating process being banned, and so the search is on for alternative surfaces that can achieve the same result.

This is a key consideration for Tata Steel in Europe and is already an area of significant exploratory work.

The Research Engineer will:
• Review literature and current best practice within the industry on roll finish;
• Develop a theoretical understanding of the demands of the surface, and the complimentary lubrication conditions required. These conditions result in differing outcomes, either with effects on strip cleanliness with iron deposits as a result of roll wear, through slipping and skidding of the strip within the roll bite resulting from lost friction;
• Conduct trial work around possible alternatives. Many alternatives are hard materials that will maintain their surface roughness, but this brings difficulties in grinding the required profile into the roll between its uses in the mill;
• Progress understanding of the options, or propose a solution to the problem, applicable to all rolling mills across Europe affected by this legislation.

Eligibility
We welcome applications from candidates with an Engineering or Physical Science degree (minimum level 2:1), or a combination of degree and equivalent relevant experience to the same level, to join the M2A community of research engineers.

Please visit our website for more information on eligibility.