Tata Steel formed a strategic partnership with the UK research body, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), to develop a range of innovations including graphene-coated steels and next-generation sensors that can operate in extreme environments.
The research will include studying the viability of coating steel strip with graphene, a one-atom thick carbon layer whose properties include anti-corrosion and a high degree of electrical conductivity. Graphene-coated steels could boost the energy efficiency of solar panels or make buildings longer lasting by reducing damage caused by water or even most corrosive chemicals.
The research partnership with the EPSRC will give Tata Steel access to a wider network of experts, enhancing its research and development activities. The partners will work together on long-term research, postgraduate training and knowledge exchange in a number of different pre-defined areas. Among the key research areas will be ways to improve waste recycling processes and the development of new sensor equipment whose ability to operate in very high temperatures or extreme chemical environments could lead to greater understanding of metallurgical and chemical properties and processes.
The MOU was signed in the presence of the Rt Hon Vince Cable, the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills, and the CE of Tata Steel’s European operations, Karl Koehler.
