Development of new surface treatments for automotive utilising chemcoater (Research area - Materials engineering (Metals/alloys/coatings))

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Automotive steel products are manufacture in the UK by Tata Steel and sold globally. A typical product consists of an annealed steel strip with an applied zinc coating. Subsequent organic and inorganic coatings can be applied to the steel following annealing or galvanising using a coating system known as the chemcoater. These products are applied in order to add value to the steel or make the product more attractive to the customer. Coatings that can be applied might include those that prevent corrosion, improve weldability and lubricity, enhance surface passivation or reduce galling with the ultimate aim of adding value to the steel product. This project seeks to expand on this by exploring both novel coatings that can be applied to the steel using the chemcoater system and the methods of deposition. Project aims:The aims of the project relate to developing new surface treatments that can be deposited using the chemcoater (roller coating) system on galvanised steel at Tata Steel. Aims include: - Investigating the roller coating method of deposition in order to unlock additional functionalities- Investigating potential coatings that can be applied to galvanised steel to add functionality and increase its appeal to customers.- Analysing line/coating parameters to make them more effective, for example reducing energy expenditure involved with coating procedure, whilst still maintaining necessary functionality. - Identifying the performance of current and new coatings. These coatings might include those that prevent corrosion, improve weldability, improve lubricity, passivate the surface or reduce galling on the surface.- Reduce procedure/process costs where applicable, subsequently reducing company costs/processing times. - Trial new deposition methods such as inkjet and slot-die printing that can be used to deliver functional coatings onto the steel surface using an enhanced chemcoater system.