Control of nonmetallic inclusions of non-oriented silicon steel sheets by the rare earth treatment

Based on the industrial production of non-oriented silicon steel, the rare earth （RE） treatment during the Ruhrstahl Heraeus （RH） refining process was studied. The morphology and the size distribution were observed for the steel specimens treated with different RE treatment conditions. Furthermore, the formation and change of the nonmetallic inclusion characteristics of finished steel sheets after the RE treatment were discussed. The results have shown that in the present work,the suitable RE metal additions are 0.6 -0.9 kg/t steel. After the suitable RE treatment,the formation of AIN and MnS inclusions were restrained, and the aggregation, flotation and removal of nonmetallic inclusions were efficiently promoted and the cleanliness of liquid steel was significantly increased. Meanwhile, the total oxygen concentration reached the minimum value and thle desulfurization efficiency was optimal ,and the type of main inclusions was approximately spherical or elliptical spherical RE radicle inclusions whose size was relatively large.

Effects of calcium treatment on non-metallic inclusions and magnetic properties of non-oriented silicon steel sheets

Based on the industrial production of non-oriented silicon steel,calcium treatment by CaSi wire feeding during the RH refining process was studied. The thermodynamics of CaS inclusion formation was analyzed, and the morphology and the size distribution were observed. Furthermore, the change in inclusion characteristics after calcium treatment and the effect of calcium treatment on magnetic properties were discussed. The results show that the formation of MnS and A1N inclusions were restrained, and the aggregating, floating and removing of microinclusions after calcium treatment were effectively promoted. The cleanliness of liquid steel was obviously increased. The main type of inclusions was single phase of CaO, with some complex inclusions composed of CaO, SiO2 and MgO. No CaS inclusion was observed after an appropriate calcium treatment. The size of all inclusions was distributed in the range of 2 - 20 μm, and the number was about 1.8 × 10^5/mm3. In addition, as an increasing amount of calcium was added,the core loss gradually decreased to a stable level, and the magnetic induction decreased quickly after a slow increase. The optimal calcium treatment mode depends on the chemical composition of steel.

Interactions of Sn and S and their effects on the magnetic properties of non-oriented silicon steel sheets

The interactions of Sn and S and their effects on the magnetic properties of non-oriented silicon steel sheets were discussed in reference to industrial production. Results show that minor amounts of Sn can improve magnetic induction sharply but have little effect on core loss when the S content is below 10 × 10 ^-4%. The precipitation of AlN can be restrained effectively by Sn. Sn, as the nucleus, can remove some of the inclusions with a size of 0.5μm or larger, but has little effect on inclusions smaller than 0.5 μm,which is the key factor affecting core loss. Sn improves the magnetic induction of finished steel sheets mainly through the change of the steel texture. The relationship between the magnetic induction and Sn and S content can be regressed as B50 = 1.69 -4.37 ws ＋0.30 Ws,. From the regression formulation,the magnetic induction can be improved by 0.03 T when 0.01% Sn is added under relatively low S content conditions.

Effect of Boron Content on the Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Non-oriented Electrical Steels

The effects of boron content in the range of 0-0.0082 wt%, on the inclusion type, microstructurc, texture and magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steels have been studied. After final annealing, the addition of excess boron（w（B0〉0.004 1 wt%） led to the formation of Fe2B particles. As boron content increased, grain size increased and reached a maximum in steel with 0.004 1 wt% boron. Furthermore, steel containing 0.004 1 wt% boron had the strongest { 100} fiber texture, Goss texture and the weakest { 111 } fiber texture among the five tested steels. Flux density firstly rapidly increased and then suddenly decreased with increasing boron content and reached a maximum in steel with 0.004 1 wt% boron. Conversely, core loss first sharply decreased and then abruptly increased with the increase of boron content and reached a minimum in steel containing 0.004 1 wt% boron. Steel containing 0.004 1 wt% boron obtained the best magnetic properties, predominantly through the development of optimum grain size and favorable texture.

Fatigue Cracking Characterization of High Grade Non-oriented Electrical Steels

The fatigue behavior of 30 WGP1600 non-oriented electrical steel, which is generally used in the motors for electrical vehicles, was investigated. The detailed microstructure and dislocation configurations of the fatigue specimens were examined by OM, SEM, and TEM. The test results showed that fatigue cracks were commonly initiated from the surface grain boundaries, crystals plane, and inclusions. The rapid fatigue crack propagation was characterized by transgranular cleavage fracture, while most transient fracture exhibited ductile tearing characteristics. After cyclic deformation of the non-oriented electrical steels, various dislocation structures, such as short and thick lines, veins, persistent slip bands, cells, and labyrinth, were observed.

Formation mechanism and control of MgO·Al_2O_3 inclusions in non-oriented silicon steel

On the basis of the practical production of non-oriented silicon steel, the formation of Mg O·Al2O3 inclusions was analyzed in the process of ＂basic oxygen furnace（BOF） → RH → compact strip production（CSP）＂. The thermodynamic and kinetic conditions of the formation of Mg O·Al2O3 inclusions were discussed, and the behavior of slag entrapment in molten steel during RH refining was simulated by computational fluid dynamics（CFD） software. The results showed that the Mg O/Al2O3 mass ratio was in the range from 0.005 to 0.017 and that Mg O·Al2O3 inclusions were not observed before the RH refining process. In contrast, the Mg O/Al2O3 mass ratio was in the range from 0.30 to 0.50, and the percentage of Mg O·Al2O3 spinel inclusions reached 58.4% of the total inclusions after the RH refining process. The compositions of the slag were similar to those of the inclusions; furthermore, the critical velocity of slag entrapment was calculated to be 0.45 m·s^-1 at an argon flow rate of 698 L·min^-1, as simulated using CFD software. When the test steel was in equilibrium with the slag, [Mg] was 0.00024wt%–0.00028wt% and [Al]s was 0.31wt%–0.37wt%; these concentrations were theoretically calculated to fall within the Mg O·Al2O3formation zone, thereby leading to the formation of Mg O·Al2O3 inclusions in the steel. Thus, the formation of Mg O·Al2O3 inclusions would be inhibited by reducing the quantity of slag entrapment, controlling the roughing slag during casting, and controlling the composition of the slag and the Mg O content in the ladle refractory.

Transverse thickness difference control technology for non-oriented silicon steel

Transverse thickness difference is an important quality index of non-oriented silicon steel strips. In order to fulfill users＇ accuracy requirements on the transverse thickness of silicon steel and improve the production yield, the factors influencing transverse thickness difference were analyzed. Then the work roll shape, control strategy and incoming hot-rolled strips were optimized. Since the optimization measures were implemented in the actual production, the thickness difference of non-oriented silicon steel has been reduced greatly and fulfilled the requirements placed by users. These measures have achieved remarkable effects.

Characteristics and application of Baosteel's Cr-free ultrathick J coat for non-oriented silicon steel sheets

Baosteel＇ s Cr-free ultrathick J coat for non-oriented silicon steel sheets has excellent insulation performance and has been successfully applied to middle and large scale electric power trains and wind electric power devices, which have stricter requirements than typical for coat insulation. In this paper, the characteristics and application of this type of coating for non-oriented silicon steel sheets were described in detail.

Manufacture and application of a Cr-free insulation coat for non-oriented silicon steel sheets

The manufacturing techniques of a Cr-free coat for non-oriented silicon steel sheets with excellent magnetic properties were developed. The ingredients of the coat mainly include phosphate, epoxy resin, an amine solidified agent and water. Through the adjustment of ingredients, superior adhesiveness, corrosion-resistance performance, welding performance and stamping preformance have been obtained. Thus ,the non-oriented silicon steel sheets with the above Cr-free coat have been used successfully in the fields of compressors ,transformers, and small and medium motors.

Efficiency of Model Induction Motor Using Various Non-Oriented Electrical Steels

The performance of a 3-phase 6-pole 400 W inverter-drive induction motor was investigated using a variety of non-oriented electrical steels for stator core at PWM inverter fundamental wave frequencies of 30 to 300 Hz. There existed an optimum Si content of the material depending on the tooth flux density. Both reduction of material thickness and stress-relief annealing of the stator core improved the motor efficiency. The influence of Si content on the efficiency was small at lower PWM frequencies, while at higher frequencies the motor efficiency increased with increasing Si content. The Cu loss WC increased and the Fe loss Wi counteractiveiy decreasedwith increasing Si content at lower frequencies; while at higher frequencies Wi had dominant effect on the efficiency. Newly developed materials RMA, having lower Fe losses after stress-relief annealing and higher flux densities with lower Si contents, showed motor efficiencies superior to conventional J1S grade materials with comparable Fe losses.

Influence of silicon on the microstructures, mechanical properties and stretch-flangeability of dual phase steels

Uniaxial tension tests and hole-expansion tests were carried out to determine the influence of silicon on the microstructures, mechanical properties, and stretch-flangeability of conventional dual-phase steels. Compared to 0.03wt% silicon, the addition of 1.08wt% silicon induced the formation of finer ferrite grains （6.8μm ） and a higher carbon content of martensite （Cm≈ 0.32wt%）. AS the silicon level increased, the initial strain-hardening rate （n value） and the uniform elongation increased, whereas the yield strength, yield ratio, and stretch-flangeability decreased. The microstructures were observed after hole-expansion tests. The results showed that low carbon content martensite （Cm ≈ 0.19wt%） can easily deform in coordination with ferrite. The relationship between the mechanical properties and stretch-flangeability indicated that the steel with large post-uniform elongation has good stretch-flangeability due to a closer plastic incom- patibility of the ferrite and martensite phases, which can effectively delay the production and decohesion of microvoids.

New insights into the effects of silicon content on the oxidation process in silicon-containing steels

Simultaneous thermal analysis（STA） was used to investigate the effects of silicon content on the oxidation kinetics of silicon-containing steels under an atmosphere and heating procedures similar to those used in industrial reheating furnaces for the production of hot-rolled strips. Our results show that when the heating temperature was greater than the melting point of Fe2SiO4, the oxidation rates of steels with different silicon contents were the same; the total mass gain decreased with increasing silicon content, whereas it increased with increasing oxygen content. The oxidation rates for steels with different silicon contents were constant with respect to time under isothermal conditions. In addition, the starting oxidation temperature, the intense oxidation temperature, and the finishing oxidation temperature increased with increasing silicon content; the intense oxidation temperature had no correlation with the melting of Fe2SiO4. Moreover, the silicon distributed in two forms： as Fe2SiO4 at the interface between the innermost layer of oxide scale and the iron matrix, and as particles containing silicon in grains and grain boundaries in the iron matrix.

High temperature plastic deformation behavior of non-oriented electrical steel

High temperature plastic deformation behavior of non-orientated electrical steel was investigated by Gleeble 1500 thermo-mechanical simulator at strain rate of 0.01-10 s^-1 and high temperature of 500-1 200 ℃. The stress level factor （a）, stress exponent （n）, structural factor （A） and activation energy （Q） of high temperature plastic deformation process of non-orientated electrical steel in different temperature ranges were calculated by the Arrhenius model. The results show that, with dynamic elevation of deformation temperature, phase transformation from α-Fe to γ-Fe takes place simultaneously during plastic deformation, dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization process, leading to an irregular change of the steady flow stress. For high temperature plastic deformation between 500 and 800 ℃, the calculated values of a, n, A, and Q are 0.039 0 MPa 1, 7.93, 1.9× 10^18 s^-1, and 334.8 kJ/mol, respectively, and for high temperature plastic deformation between 1 050 and 1 200 ℃, the calculated values of a, n, A, and Q are 0.125 8 MPa1, 5.29, 1.0 × 10^28 s^-1, and 769.9 kJ/mol, respectively.

Development of top high-grade non-grain-oriented silicon steels at Baosteel

The development, production and application of top high-grade non-grain-oriented （NGO） silicon steels at Baosteel were introduced in this paper. Top high grades refer to the highest grades in the intemational silicon steel product standard and above. B35A230 and B50A250 were developed at Baosteel in 2009 and have been used in inverter compressors for air-conditioners, small transformers and big hydropower generators in the Three Gorges project. Small- batch production of B35A210 and B50A230, which exceed the highest grades listed in the intemational silicon steel product standard,began in 2010. That was a breakthrough in the silicon steel making history in China. Presently,Baosteel＇ s high- grade NGO products have passed the strict qualifications of the three major electric power equipment manufacturers in China and the leading international power equipment suppliers like ALSTOM, GE, SIEMENS, VESTAS, etc. These products are characterized by low iron loss, low anisotropy, good punchability and a high lamination factor. They have been used in the 770 MW hydropower generator at Xiluodu Power Station in the three gorges area, 1 000 MW thermal power generators and 2.5 MW wind power generators.

Enhancement of GMI Effect in Silicon Steels by Furnace Annealing

The ratio and sensitivity of giant magnetoimpedance （GMI） in grain oriented silicon steels （Fe-4.5%Si） are improved after furnace annealing in air for 20 min. By annealing at 800℃, the GMI sensitivity rises from 1.29%/Oe to 1.91%/Oe and the ratio increases from 237% to 294% with decreasing characteristic frequency. The results are attributable to an increase in the transverse magnetic permeability during the heat treatment. From simulation by finite element method, the GMI effect can be interpreted as the modification of the current distribution by the applied magnetic field via the transverse permeability. In the case of annealed samples,the larger transverse permeability allows a higher GMI ratio and sensitivity.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROSTRUCTURES AND PROPERTIES FOR ADVANCED ALUMINUM/SILICON CONTAINED HOT-ROLLED TRIP STEELS

The microstructure characteristics with super fine ferrite grain size less than 5mm, appropriate retained austenite fraction around 5.0% and or removable abundant dislocations have been obtained by controlled rolling and cooling, which leads to well balance com- prehensive properties with high tensile strength of 510 and 615MPa, high elongation of 40% and 27%, low ratio of yield strength to tensile strength 0.83 and 0.80, as well as low ductile- brittle transition temperature less than -80 and -70℃ for advanced aluminum hot-rolled TRIP steel and silicon hot-rolled TRIP steel, respectively.

Effects of tin and sulphur on magnetism and its interaction in effecient non-oritened silicon steel

Based on the manufacture of efficient non-oriented silicon steel grade,the effects of tin and sulphur on magnetism and its interaction was discussed.The results showed that for present work,minor tin could improve magnetic induction sharply and had little effect on core loss when the sulphur content below 10×10^(-4)%.The precipitation of AlN could be prohibitted by tin,remarkably.As the nucleus,tin could removal any inclusions which size was 0.5μm or above,and had little effect on inclusions which size was below 0.5μm as a key factor for core loss.For final sample,the magnetic induction was improved through the change of steel texture by tin.The relationship between magnetic induction and tin,sulphur content could be regressed:B = 1.69 - 4.37S + 0.30Sn.From the regression formulation,magnetic induction could be improved for 0.03 T when 0.01%tin was added under the condition of relatively low sulphur content.

Recent progress of high silicon electrical steels

This paper summarized recent progress of high silicon grain-oriented and non-oriented electrical steels. Technical development in composition adjustment, inclusion control and process optimization was introduced, and future development trend was explored. In addition, a brief introduction was provided to technical progress of high silicon thingauge strips with a Si content of 6.5%.

Development history and technological progress of non-oriented electrical steel sheets at Baosteel

This paper briefly summarized the development history, product catalogue and magnetic properties of non- oriented electrical steel sheets at Baosteel, as well as the development and application of high-value-added steel grades. Recent advances in manufacturing electrical steel sheets were also introduced, including technologies for controlling inclusion,for producing high-grade steel strips by a tandem rolling mill and for controlling the transverse thickness difference of steel sheets, and the development of environmentally friendly coatings.

Effect of normalizing cooling process on microstructure and precipitates in low-temperature silicon steel

Microstructure, precipitate and magnetic characteristic of fmal products with different normalizing cooling processes for Fe-3.2%Si low-temperature hot-rolled grain-oriented silicon steel were analyzed and compared with the hot-rolled plate by optical microscopy （OM）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, and energy dispersive spectrometry （EDS）. The results show that, the surface microstructure is uniform, the proportion of recrystallization in matrix increases, and the banding textures are narrowed; the precipitates, whose quantity in normalized plate is more than that in hot-rolled plate greatly, are mainly A1N, MnS, composite precipitates （Cu,Mn）S and so on. Normalizing technology with a temperature of 1120 ℃, holding for 3 min, and a two-stage cooling is a most advantaged method to obtain oriented silicon steel with sharper Goss texture and higher magnetic properties, owing to the uniform surface microstructures and the obvious inhomogeneity of microstructures along the thickness. The normalizing technology with the two-stage cooling is the optimum process, which can generate more fine precipitates dispersed over the matrix, and be beneficial for finished products to get higher magnetic properties.