According to those in charge of the project, this achievement is not limited to reducing dependence on imports, but also paves the way for the formation of a sustainable supply chain that enhances global competitiveness in energy-intensive industries.

The project is titled “Development of production technology.” Needle coke from Asphaltene and waste Oil production for the manufacture of graphite nanoelectrodes,” and it is being implemented under the supervision of Dr. Babak Mokhtari and his research team at Shahid Chamran University in Ahvaz.

This project is part of the applied programs of the Nano and Micro Technologies Development Authority, and aims to produce high-quality needle coke using local methods and technologies.

is used Needle coke As one of the basic materials in the manufacture of graphite nanoelectrodes, which are a vital component in the steel and aluminum industries. With the rapid expansion of steel production in Iran and the high demand for high-efficiency electrodes, supplies have become… Needle coke One of the most important challenges of the production chain, as most of the quantities are imported from abroad, which causes economic dependency and fragility in the stability of production.

Local oil resources are such as: Asphaltene and waste Heavy refineries are valuable alternatives to imported raw materials, but the chemical complexity of these materials and the change in their properties during heat treatment make their direct use difficult. Therefore, the research team is working to improve the processing and purification conditions and modify the chemical structure of asphaltenes and petroleum wastes, enabling the production of needle coke with ideal physical and structural properties.

The importance of the project is not limited only to its technical aspect, but also extends to its economic and strategic dimensions, as it is expected that local production will lead toNeedle coke To save millions of dollars in foreign exchange annually and reduce dependence on imports in the steel and aluminum sectors. The use of oil waste as a raw material contributes to reducing the cost of production and reducing the environmental impact of hydrocarbon waste.

From a nanotechnology perspective, the project focuses on developing nanostructured graphite electrodes that feature a regular arrangement of graphene layers, giving them high electrical and thermal conductivity and structural stability at high temperatures. The use of these electrodes in metal smelting and purification processes contributes to raising energy efficiency, reducing consumption of raw materials, and improving the quality of final products of steel and aluminum.

The researchers confirm that completing the experimental and manufacturing stages will allow the establishment of an integrated local supply chain for graphite electrodes, which will enhance self-sufficiency and increase Iran’s export capacity in the field of advanced materials.

This project is an outstanding model of integration between academic research, nanotechnology and the oil industry, and can serve as a model for other applied projects. So an investment Scientific capabilities University in the face of national challenges within the energy and advanced materials chain represents a fundamental step towards consolidating and enhancing the knowledge-based economy Industrial independence For the country.