Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Georgia Institute of Technology is developing a method to produce net-shaped engineered lattice structures and cellular structures of alloy steels by solid-state direct reduction of extruded structures. Domestically mined taconite ore would be refined to remove impurities and obtain finely ground sinter-grade iron oxide powders. The fine iron oxide powder combined with other oxide powders and polymer binders would then be extruded into desired structures. The structures will be reduced in a flowing atmosphere containing hydrogen to obtain the final net-shaped alloy steel products via solid-state sintering.

The team anticipates several potential markets for use of structural steels where lightweighting and stiffness are most highly valued, including aerospace, military, and civilian aircraft, as well as automotive structural components. The automotive structural steel market is currently valued at over $94 billion and is expected to continue growing over the next decade.