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The results of the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) competition, focused on “Conducting fundamental scientific research and exploratory scientific research by international scientific teams,” have recently been announced. A dedicated team from Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) Laboratory of mechanical properties of nanostructured and heat-resistant materials, led by Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Rustam Kaibyshev, will receive funding for their project titled “Automotive Steels Obtained by Quenching-Partitioning with High Strength and Ductility Values.”

Over the next three years, this project will benefit from an annual funding allocation of 7 million rubles. The research team aims to conduct in-depth studies on phase transformations during the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) treatment of low-alloy steels, focusing on their unique mechanical behaviors.

The BelSU metal scientists will investigate how Q&P treatment influences the structure and properties of low-alloy medium-carbon steels with high silicon content. Their goal is to achieve an impressive combination of strength—exceeding 1000 MPa—and plasticity around 20%.

Professor Kaibyshev expressed optimism about the project’s potential: 

“Our team anticipates significant scientific data through advanced research methods such as electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, dilatometric analysis, and mechanical testing. The extensive experience and expertise of our team members, honed over years at BelSU, will be instrumental in studying various classes of steels and alloys.”

A deeper understanding of phase transformations in medium-carbon steels enriched with silicon could pave the way for developing cost-effective yet stronger and more ductile steels. These new high-strength materials will empower design engineers to create more compact, lightweight, and reliable suspension components for vehicles. The resulting enhancements are expected to lower vehicle weight, improve handling, reduce fuel consumption, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

The BelSU research team will collaborate closely with the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur (IIT KGP), led by Professor Shiv Brat Singh. As India’s largest engineering university, IIT KGP holds the esteemed status of an Institute of National Importance and is recognized as a leader among the country’s top autonomous engineering institutions. The IIT KGP team will focus on studying phase transformations during quenching treatment in low-alloy steels.

Together, these scientists aim to explore how carbon content influences the strength and ductility of low-alloy steels and whether existing models for structure formation and hardening in low-carbon steels can be adapted for medium-carbon variants.

Notably, this year’s RSF competition attracted 467 applications, with only 24 projects receiving support. Among the other successful participants are renowned institutions such as the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, HSE, Kazan State Medical University and others.