Rahman Faiz Suwandana

What were you doing before joining Steel for a Fossil Free Future?

Before joining this research program, I worked as a lecturer in Metallurgical Engineering at Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa in Indonesia. In this role, I taught undergraduate students and conducted research in materials science and metallurgical processes. My academic work focused on understanding the mineral processing and beneficial method. This experience not only deepened my technical knowledge but also honed my ability to analyze complex problems and communicate scientific concepts effectively.

What will you be doing as a PhD?

As a PhD student, my research focuses on the rheology of EAF slag, with a particular emphasis on viscosity. The transition from traditional blast furnace steelmaking to the EAF route is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and achieving a fossil-free future. However, this transition introduces new raw materials and compositions in EAF, such as low-grade DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) and hydrogen-reduced iron (HDRI), which can significantly impact the steelmaking process. My project aims to study the viscosity of EAF slag under different conditions to optimize the refining process and energy efficiency in steelmaking. By understanding how slag viscosity affects the overall process, we can develop strategies to improve the quality and sustainability of steel production.

What challenges will your PhD work contribute to solving?

One of the primary challenges in transitioning to the EAF route is managing the new compositions and behaviors of slag that arise from using green energy and raw materials. The viscosity of slag plays a critical role in the refining process, affecting everything from heat transfer to the removal of impurities. If not properly managed, variations in slag viscosity can lead to inefficiencies, increased energy consumption, and lower-quality steel. My research aims to address these challenges by providing a deeper understanding of how different factors, such as oxide composition (e.g., CaO/SiO₂, Al₂O₃/MgO) and temperature, influence slag viscosity and how we can control it to optimize the steelmaking process.

How can your research contribute to addressing those challenges?

My research will contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable steelmaking processes by providing insights into the rheological properties of EAF slag. By understanding how viscosity is affected by composition, temperature, and other factors, we can develop models and guidelines to optimize slag behavior during the steelmaking process. This will not only improve the quality of steel but also reduce energy consumption and emissions, contributing to the overall goal of a fossil-free future. Additionally, my findings can help in the design of new materials and processes that further enhance the sustainability of steel production. Ultimately, this work aims to turn slag from a process challenge into a sustainability enabler.

The name of my research project is ...

Rheology of EAF Slag: Optimizing Viscosity for Sustainable Steelmaking