Chaymaa Boujrouf, Postdoctoral researcher at Aix-Marseille University‘s IM2NP laboratory, delivered an oral presentation at the International Conference of Metallurgy (ICM 2026), hosted by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, Morocco, from 2 to 5 February 2026.
Boujrouf’s presentation, entitled «Nanoscale investigation of residual element segregation in steels produced through low-CO2 routes,» introduced the nanoscale characterisation work carried out within the COOPHS project on press-hardened steels (PHS) produced via Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) routes, a lower-CO₂ alternative to conventional blast furnace steelmaking.
Using Atom Probe Tomography (APT), with specimens prepared by Focused Ion Beam (FIB), the study probed both prior-austenite grain boundaries and martensitic lath boundaries. Results show that elements such as phosphorus, boron, titanium and carbon segregate to grain boundaries, while copper, sulphur, tin and arsenic remain in solid solution within the matrix without detectable interface segregation.
These findings offer valuable guidance for alloy design and processing optimisation in sustainable steel production, contributing to the broader goals of the COOPHS project to support the decarbonisation of the European steel industry.
The conference brought together around 140 participants from several countries, with a programme featuring plenary talks, scientific presentations, a poster session, and a high-level panel discussion gathering industry leaders and academic experts to explore low-carbon strategies and stronger industry–academia collaboration.
