Iron and steel research at CENIM

Abstract

In 2002 the National Centre for Metallurgical Research (CENIM) celebrated its 39^^^ anniversary. During this time, steel has been the most studied material of all the metals and alloys researched in the different projects funded by national science and technology plans, European metallurgical research programmes, and by the iron and steelmaking companies who over the years have placed their trust in the research work undertaken at CENIM. Two generations of researchers have dedicated their careers to studying the different aspects of steel, from primary metallurgy considering iron ores and enrichment processes, the thermodynamics of reactions in the blast furnace and in the ladle, thermal and thermomechanical treatments, the physical metallurgy of steels, their mechanical properties, and finally their deterioration in a wide range of media of different aggressivities. CENIM maintains its committment to iron and steel research, drawing attention to the vast amount of research work undertaken and financed within the framework of the ECSC programme since Spain joined the European Community in January 1986.