The phase composition of nanobainitic steel 0.56–0.60%C, 1.68–1.95%Mn, 1.58–1.80%Si, 1.30–1.47%Cr, 0.57–0.75%Mo is described in this paper. The phase composition is controlled in order to obtain diversified mechanical properties for specific applications, such as armor plates. The effect of temperature and time of isothermal heat treatment on both the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the steel were determined. Dilatometric studies, as well as measurements of volume fraction and size distribution of retained austenite were carried out. Analysis of the kinetics of isothermal transformation in the temperature range of 200–225 °C for times of up to 144 h were also carried out, and the parameters of the production process of the steel were determined. A microstructure consisting of nanolathy carbideless bainite and blocky and lathy retained austenite, providing tensile strength of at least 2000 MPa, yield strength of at least 1300 MPa, and total elongation of at least 10% has been found.

The paper presents the results of investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe-based materials designed for the manufacture of semi-spherical liners for experimental shaped charges. The tests were carried out on material samples taken from two semi-finished products, i.e. a rod for the manufacture of charge liners with a diameter of 50 mm using machining, and sheets for the manufacture of liners with a diameter of 100 mm using cold drawing. Microstructure examination was also carried out on a test specimen obtained using the additive method (3D-WAAM), made of low-carbon unalloyed steel wire. Firing tests on concrete blocks were carried out in order to quantify the effects of drilling at the Experimental Mine Barbara. The scope of the tests consisted of firing at cylindrical concrete blocks using projectiles containing 50 mm diameter liners made of Fe-based alloys. Based on the results of the laboratory material, two experimental steel grades were selected for further testing. Plates made of the selected steels will be used to manufacture charge liners with a diameter of 100 mm.

The article presents the results of investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe-based materials intended for the production of semi-spherical liners for experimental shaped charges. The tests were carried out on samples taken in three directions in relation to the rolling direction: 0°, 45° and 90°, of the following materials: cold-rolled sheets made of DC04 steel, hot-rolled sheets made of 04J steel, and cold-rolled strips made of 004G steel developed at Łukasiewicz – IMŻ and annealed at 650°C. Semi-spherical drawpieces with a diameter of 106.4 mm, intended for liners, were made of the sheets with the use of cold stamping. Tests of the microstructure and HV hardness of samples taken from the test batch were carried out on cross-sections along the pressing direction and the model batch – on sections transverse to the stamping direction The geometry of the model batch drawpieces was also measured. The ferrite grain size evaluation was performed according to the ASTM E112 standard using μgrain software with a grain size evaluation module using counting the number of intersections of grain boundaries with a circle.

The article contains results of research and analyses concerning application of nanostructured bainitic steel in the form of plates for manufacturing of armour components. The presented results of examination of microstructure and properties include a wide range of laboratory experiments and industrial tests, which resulted in the achievement of the assumed functional properties. In the period of 2017-2021, a scientific and industrial consortium consisting of Łukasiewicz – Institute of Ferrous Metallurgy (leader); WITPiS, Tarnów Mechanical Works, Alchemia and Heatmasters Poland carried out a project funded by the POIR 04.01.04 programme aimed to develop the design and to manufacture an observation and protective container with a specified resistance to penetration by armour-piercing projectiles and with a lower mass of steel armouring in relation to that currently produced. The aim of the project was achieved by using armour plates made of nanostructured bainitic steel (nanobainitic), which are characterised by high resistance to high-energy impact concentrated in a small area. The technological tests carried out in the project mainly concerned the development of a new container and industrial technology of armour plates production and their application in the armour of this container. Based on the results of investigation of the semi-industrial scale material, the optimum chemical composition for industrial scale melting and casting was determined. An industrial technology for the production of plates of nano-structured bainitic steel was developed, which includes the following processes: smelting and casting, preliminary heat treatment and ingot hot processing, as well as hot rolling, final heat treatment, and surface treatment. A test batch of the material in the form of 1500×2470 mm armoured plates was fabricated under industrial conditions. The final result of the project is a container armoured with bainitic nanostructured steel plates with implementation documentation and a technology for producing armoured plates from this steel under the technical and technological conditions of domestic steel manufacturers.

At the beginning of 2023, Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute for Ferrous Metallurgy (Łukasiewicz – IMŻ) begins its activity in the structure of a new institute under the name of Łukasiewicz Research Network – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology, after consolidation with Łukasiewicz – Institute of Welding and Łukasiewicz – Institute of Electrical Drives and Machines KOMEL. On the eve of this change, this study presents the research achievements of Łukasiewicz – IMŻ in 2022 and the topics planned to be undertaken in 2023. It takes into account projects financed from the national and EU budget for science, as well as the significant involvement of the Institute in the implementation of applied projects that contribute to increasing the innovativeness of the domestic industry, including the energy and defence sectors. Attention was paid to the dynamically developing new hydrogen technologies in metallurgy, additive technologies and high-temperature material characteristics, important for the aerospace industry. At the same time, we would like to announce that the current issue of “Journal of Metallic Materials” is the last issue of our quarterly, publishing original research results in the field of metallurgy, materials engineering, chemistry, environmental protection and management in the iron and steel industry. Its traditions date back to 1949, when the first issue of the journal was published under the title “Prace Badawcze Głównego Instytutu Metalurgii i Odlewnictwa (Research Works of the Central Institute of Metallurgy and Casting)”. In 1976-2018, the quarterly was published under the title “Prace Instytutu Metalurgii Żelaza (Works of the Institute for Ferrous Metallurgy)”. The title changed to the current one in 2019. On behalf of the entire editorial team, we would like to thank all readers and authors of articles and reviewers for their cooperation. The establishment of the new Institute will certainly create conditions for the continuation of publishing activities in a broader substantive scope.