Bio-based wash primer expands validation on industrial carbon steels

The growing need to replace chromated primers used in steel corrosion protection has driven the development of safer and more sustainable alternatives. BIO FLAV PRIMER, a bio-based wash primer developed from valorized agro-industrial byproducts offers an alternative to conventional primers formulated with zinc tetroxychromate, eliminating the use of chromated compounds and combining high corrosion protection with a nontoxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly formulation.

The protection mechanism is based on the interaction of natural compounds with the metal surface, where they form a molecular network of chelates capable of stabilizing existing corrosion products and generating a continuous, adherent, and non-porous organic film. This passivating interfacial layer stabilizes the substrate and provides an excellent base for the adhesion of subsequent coatings.

Developed by BIOFLAV Ingenieria de Superficies, comparative studies of the primer conducted on SAE 1010 steel demonstrated superior performance compared to the benchmark commercial wash primer formulated with zinc tetroxychromate, achieving 92% corrosion protection efficiency under the evaluated conditions. While the chromated primer relies on active pigments that are progressively consumed during service, the organic film developed by BIO FLAV PRIMER maintained highly stable electrochemical behavior throughout the evaluation period.

As part of the current technological validation stage, prior to pre-pilot and pilot scale-up, the development is extending its evaluation to other carbon steels of industrial interest. For this purpose, an oil drilling rod made of SAE 4140 carbon steel, discarded after a failure mechanism in service and exhibiting significant surface deterioration, is being used. The use of a recovered industrial component previously subjected to severe operating conditions allows for the evaluation of the coating’s performance in a representative service scenario, providing evidence for the subsequent stages of technological scale-up and its future industrial and infrastructure implementation.

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BIOFLAV Ingenieria de Superficies

Image – Discarded SAE 4140 carbon steel oil drill rod following a failure in service, after several months of environmental exposure. The upper section, protected with BIO FLAV PRIMER, demonstrates the coating’s versatility: in previously corroded areas, it stabilizes corrosion products through chelation, while the untreated lower section, used as a reference, exhibits generalized oxidation.

One Minute Mentor : Phase Transformations in Numerical Simulation

Heat treatment of tool steels means several phase transformations. Every phase transformation must be described by start amount, end amount, and kinetics (change of phases depending on temperature and time). Start and end amount can be calculated with different thermodynamic software. For example, Thermocalc is well validated for tool steels. The most common method for determining the transformation kinetics of main phases (e.g. ferrite, austenite, martensite, bainite) is to use dilatometric investigations. TTT (time-temperature-transformation) diagrams obtained from dilatometer measurements can be easily implemented in HTS software. An example is shown in the figure. 

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 14. R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014  https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005980

Wisconsin Oven ships small batch oven to Canadian manufacturer

Wisconsin Oven, East Troy, WI, announced the international shipment of an electrically heated small batch oven to a Canadian manufacturer of automotive components. The oven, designed for curing parts, has a maximum temperature rating of 650°F and chamber dimensions of 4’ W x 4’ L x 4’ H. Prior to shipment, the oven’s temperature uniformity of ± 10°F was verified through a nine-point profile test conducted in an empty chamber under static conditions.

The unit features patented high-efficiency panel seams for improved insulation, a 4” thick insulated floor, and two carbon steel shelves for part loading, each rated for 5 pounds per square foot. It utilizes combination airflow for optimal heating rates and uniformity, with temperature controlled by a Watlow F4T digital controller, featuring a touch screen, PID control, and Ethernet communication.

The oven also includes a process timer with an audible alarm, ensuring consistent curing and part quality.

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Steel Dynamics announces leadership appointments

Steel Dynamics Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind., announced leadership appointments for James Anderson and Chad Bickford. Mark D. Millett, Chairman and CEO, expressed his excitement, praising their leadership qualities and positive influence within the company. Millett highlighted their commitment to the company’s core values of safety, performance, and innovation, and their focus on prioritizing personnel.

James Anderson has been named Senior Vice President of the Long Products Steel Group, effective May 1, 2024. Anderson, who will report to Barry Schneider, President and COO, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including leading the Steel Fabrication business and serving as COO of New Millennium Building Systems. His new role will see him overseeing operations that include four EAF long product steel mills and various smaller facilities, together capable of shipping nearly five million tons of steel annually.

Chad Bickford will take over Anderson’s former position as Vice President of the Steel Fabrication Group, New Millennium Building Systems. Bickford, who also reports to Schneider, transitions from his recent role managing the Butler Flat Roll Steel Division. His extensive background in steel fabrication operations and leadership, including a stint as General Manager at the Virginia steel fabrication facility, prepares him well for his new responsibilities overseeing seven manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Mexico.

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Ipsen wins German Innovation Award 2024

Ipsen, Kleve, Germany, has been honored with the prestigious German Innovation Award 2024 by the German Design Council for its Ipsen ATLAS Green furnace. In a competitive field of 520 submissions from 23 countries, Ipsen’s innovative approach stood out, earning accolades from an interdisciplinary jury of experts for its user-centric design and significant added value.

The Ipsen ATLAS Green furnace represents a new standard in quality and innovation, addressing the dual challenge of high-quality heat treatments and low CO2 emissions. The furnace’s unique ability to operate using both hydrogen and green electricity ensures a 100% CO2-neutral process, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for customers.

This award highlights Ipsen’s commitment to intelligent innovations that meet the evolving needs of its customers while promoting sustainability. The recognition of the Ipsen ATLAS Green furnace underscores the company’s dedication to delivering advanced, user-focused technologies that contribute to a greener future.

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