Development and prospects of molten steel deoxidation in steelmaking process

In the long traditional process of steelmaking,excess oxygen is blown into the converter,and alloying elements are used for deoxidation.This inevitably results in excessive deoxidation of products remaining within the steel liquid,affecting the cleanliness of the steel.With the increasing requirements for steel performance,reducing the oxygen content in the steel liquid and ensuring its high cleanliness is necessary.After more than a hundred years of development,the total oxygen content in steel has been reduced from approximately 100×10^(-6)to approximately 10×10^(-6),and it can be controlled below 5×10^(-6)in some steel grades.A relatively stable and mature deoxidation technology has been formed,but further reducing the oxygen content in steel is no longer significant for improving steel quality.Our research team developed a deoxidation technology for bearing steel by optimizing the entire conventional process.The technology combines silicon–manganese predeoxidation,ladle furnace diffusion deoxidation,and vacuum final deoxidation.We successfully conducted industrial experiments and produced interstitial-free steel with natural decarbonization predeoxidation.Non-aluminum deoxidation was found to control the oxygen content in bearing steel to between 4×10^(-6) and 8×10^(-6),altering the type of inclusions,eliminating large particle Ds-type inclusions,improving the flowability of the steel liquid,and deriving a higher fatigue life.The natural decarbonization predeoxidation of interstitial-free steel reduced aluminum consumption and production costs and significantly improved the quality of cast billets.

In-depth analysis of the fatigue mechanism induced by inclusions for high-strength bearing steels

A numerical study of stress distribution and fatigue behavior in terms of the effect of voids adjacent to inclusions was conducted with finite element modeling simulations under different assumptions.Fatigue mechanisms were also analyzed accordingly.The results showed that the effects of inclusions on fatigue life will distinctly decrease if the mechanical properties are close to those of the steel matrix.For the inclusions,which are tightly bonded with the steel matrix,when the Young’s modulus is larger than that of the steel matrix,the stress will concentrate inside the inclusion;otherwise,the stress will concentrate in the steel matrix.If voids exist on the interface between inclusions and the steel matrix,their effects on the fatigue process differ with their positions relative to the inclusions.The void on one side of an inclusion perpendicular to the fatigue loading direction will aggravate the effect of inclusions on fatigue behavior and lead to a sharp stress concentration.The void on the top of inclusion along the fatigue loading direction will accelerate the debonding between the inclusion and steel matrix.

Ultrahigh cycle fatigue fracture mechanism of high-quality bearing steel obtained through different deoxidation methods

The mechanism of oxide inclusions in fatigue crack initiation in the very-high cycle fatigue(VHCF)regime was clarified by subjecting bearing steels deoxidized by Al(Al-deoxidized steel)and Si(Si-deoxidized steel)to ultrasonic tension-compression fatigue tests(stress ratio,R=−1)and analyzing the characteristics of the detected inclusions.Results show that the main types of inclusions in Si-and Al-deoxidized steels are silicate and calcium aluminate,respectively.The content of calcium aluminate inclusions larger than 15μm in Si-deoxidized steel is lower than that in Al-deoxidized steel,and the difference observed may be attributed to different inclusion generation processes during melting.Despite differences in their cleanliness and total oxygen contents,the Si-and Al-deoxidized steels show similar VHCF lives.The factors causing fatigue failure in these steels reveal distinct differences.Calcium aluminate inclusions are responsible for the cracks in Al-deoxidized steel.By comparison,most fatigue cracks in Si-deoxidized steel are triggered by the inhomogeneity of a steel matrix,which indicates that the damage mechanisms of the steel matrix can be a critical issue for this type of steel.A minor portion of the cracks in Si-deoxidized steel could be attributed to different types of inclusions.The mechanisms of fatigue fracture caused by calcium aluminate and silicate inclusions were further analyzed.Calcium aluminate inclusions first separate from the steel matrix and then trigger crack generation.Silicate inclusions and the steel matrix are closely combined in a fatigue process;thus,these inclusions have mild effects on the fatigue life of bearing steels.Si/Mn deoxidation is an effective method to produce high-quality bearing steel with a long fatigue life and good liquid steel fluidity.

Effect of main inclusions on crack initiation in bearing steel in the very high cycle fatigue regime

This work aims to investigate the effect of main inclusions on crack initiation in bearing steel in the very high cycle fatigue（VHCF） regime. The size and type of inclusions in the steel were quantitatively analyzed, and VHCF tests were performed. Some fatigue cracks were found to be initiated in the gaps between inclusions（Al2 O3, Mg O-Al2 O3） and the matrix, while other cracks originated from the interior of inclusions（Ti N, Mn S）. To explain the related mechanism, the tessellated stresses between inclusions and the matrix were calculated and compared with the yield stress of the matrix. Results revealed that the inclusions could be classified into two types under VHCF; of these two, only one type could be regarded as holes. Findings in this research provide a better understanding of how inclusions affect the high cycle fatigue properties of bearing steel.

MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF HIGH BORON BEARING STEEL

High boron bearing steel, in which boron homogeneously distributed, wassuccessfully produced in the vacuum induction furnace. The microstructural observations of cast andhot rolled steels showed that the addition of titanium can eliminate the quantity of ferrous boridesprecipitated at the grain boundaries and break the net microstructure, as a result, its hotworkability is improved. The titanium boride TiB_2 homogeneously distributes in the matrix ofalpha-Fe. The parameters of hot rolling process, including preheated temperature, initial rollingtemperature, finished rolling temperature and the total deformation, have been optimized.

Effect of Cr/Mn segregation on pearlite–martensite banded structure of high carbon bearing steel

The effect of Cr/Mn segregation on the abnormal banded structure of high carbon bearing steel was studied by reheating and hot rolling.With the use of an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and electron probe microanalyzer, the segregation characteristics of alloying elements in cast billet and their relationship with hot-rolled plate banded structure were revealed.The formation causes of an abnormal banded structure and the elimination methods were analyzed.Results indicate the serious positive segregation of C, Cr, and Mn alloy elements in the billet.Even distribution of Cr/Mn elements could not be achieved after 10 h of heat preservation at 1200℃, and the spacing of the element aggregation area increased, but the segregation index of alloy elements decreased.Obvious alloying element segregation characteristics are present in the banded structure of the hot-rolled plate.This distinct white band is composed of martensitic phases.The formation of this abnormal pearlite–martensite banded structure is due to the interaction between the undercooled austenite transformation behavior of hot-rolled metal and the segregation of its alloying elements.Under the air cooling after rolling, controlling the segregation index of alloy elements can reduce or eliminate the abnormal banded structure.

Precipitation Behavior of TiN in Bearing Steel

The precipitation behavior of titanium nitride (TIN) in bearing steel and effects of TiN inclusions on quality of the steel have been studied by thermodynamic calculation and experiment. The results show that with the increase of the content of Ti and [N], the properties of bearing steel decreased; adjusting the content of N and Ti could influence the precipitation occasion and condition of TiN in the steels. If Ti content is less than 30x10-6 and nitrogen content is less than 53x10-6, the temperature of TiN precipitation is under the solidus temperature and the size '\s small so that they have little harmful and even beneficial effect on the properties owing to grain refinement.

Hot deformation behaviors and flow stress model of GCr15 bearing steel

The hot deformation behaviors of GCr15 bearing steel were investigated by isothermal compression tests, performed on a Gleeble-3800 thermal-mechanical simulator at temperatures between 950 ℃ and 1 150 ℃ and strain rates between 0.1 and 10 s-1. The peak stress and peak strain as functions of processing parameters were obtained. The dependence of peak stress on strain rate and temperature obeys a hyperbolic sine equation with a Zener-Hollomon parameter. By regression analysis, in the temperature range of 950-1 150 ℃ and strain rate range of 0.1?10 s?1, the mean activation energy and the stress exponent were determined to be 351kJ/mol and 4.728, respectively. Meanwhile, models of flow stress and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grain size were also established. The model predictions show good agreement with experimental results.

WEAR AND LIFE OF PCBN TOOLS WHEN DRY-CUTTING BEARING STEEL GCr15

The wear forms and reasons of PCBN tools when dry-cutting bearing steel GCr15are studied systematically. The effect law of the workpiece hardness on PCBN tools is gained andtool wearing with the quickest speed at the workpiece critical hardness is proved. The life equationat two kinds of workpiece hardness demonstrates that the effect of the cutting speed on the PCBNtool life is less than that of carbide tools and ceramic tools.

Modification of Inclusions in ESR Bearing Steel

Electroslag remelting (ESR) process using consumable electrode deoxidized with Ca-Si and Fe-Si instead of Al, and acid slag (CaF_2SiO_2Al_2O_3CaO) instead of universal slag ANF_6(CaF_2. 70 %+A1_2O_3.30 %) could change brittle inclusion (alumina) to ductile inclusion (silicate) in remelted steel. Fatigue life of bearing steel could be increased significantly in this way.

Cutting Temperature and Tool Wear of Hard Turning Hardened Bearing Steel

A study was undertaken to investigate the performan ce of PCBN tool in the finish turning GCr15 bearing steel with different hardness between 30～64 HRC. The natural thermocouple was used to measure the cutting tem p erature, tool life and cutting temperature were investigated and compared. The m aterial can be heated by this instrument which using low voltage and high elec trical current, while PCBN can’t be heated by electrifying directly, so the ke ntanium layer coating over the PCBN is heated, so the PCBN is heated and its th ermoelectric property is got by this method. [TPP129,+60mm88mm,Y,PZ#] Fig.1 Effect of cutting depth and workpiec hardness on. the cutting temperatureThe objective was to determine the influence of the workpiece hardness on change s in cutting temperature and tool wear characterize. It can be found from Fig.1 that the cutting temperature show an increasing tendency with the improvement of workpiece hardness within the cutting speed scope when the workpiece hardness i s under HRC50. And on the other hand, it is found that the cutting temperature s how the downtrend with the improvement of workpiece hardness when the workpiece hardness is over HRC50. According to experimental results, the critical hard ness when turning hardened GCr15 bearing steel with PCBN tool is about HRC50. Th e wear causes of PCBN tool have been found out through taking photos on the micr o-shape of PCBN poly-laminate initial surface as well as face and flank of wea r tool and analysis on chemical elements. It is discovered that the PCBN tools a re not suitable for cutting the workpiece at nearly critical hardness, because n ear the critical hardness, PCBN wear at the highest speed. For researching the w ear rule of PCBN tool, the tool wear experiments have been carried on by using b earing steel GCr15 at hardness HRC40 and HRC60 with changing cutting speed. The indexes of tool life equations is gained under two kinds of conditions w hich are bigger than 0.6, so the effects of cutting speed on the PCBN tool are m uch less than that of carbide tool and ceramic tool.

Thermodynamics Behavior of Titanium for BOF Smelting Bearing Steel

When titanium element appears in bearing steel, it is very easy to create titanium nitride inclusion, which reduces the fatigue life of bearing steel. Based on the production data of bearing steel produced by BOF, it is found that the titanium takes its source in bearing steel; the factors-affecting titanium content, and the thermodynamics behavior of titanium under smelting condition were studied. The results show that the prime reasons of titanium content increment are the soluble aluminum content and the titanium oxide of slag. The comparison between the experimental data and theoretical ones shows that there is a big declination when the soluble aluminum content of steel is higher, which is caused by the nonequilibrium reaction of slag and steel. The apparent equilibrium distribution coefficient of titanium between slag and steel is Obtained by use of experimental data.

Carbon Segregation of Bearing Steel Concasting Billet

The formation mechanism of 'white band' and central carbon segregation of high-carbon Cr bearing steel concasting billets are discussed in this paper. The maximum oxygen content in the steel produced by concasting process was 13xl0^-6 with an average oxygen content of 9.3xl0^-6. Comparison of metallurgical quality and fatigue property between the concasting steel (CC) and ingot casting steel (IC) showed that the carbon segregation (C/C0) in former steel was 0.92～1.10 and its fatigue life was equal to that of the latter steel.

Alloying Effect of Lanthanum in GCr15 Bearing Steel with Tin and Antimony

Effect of tin and antimony on hot ductility of GCr15 bearing steel as well as interaction between lanthanum and tramp elements, were studied by simulator Gleeble-1500 and the fractures for the tested steels were analyzed using SEM and EDS. The results show that with increasing contents of tin and antimony elements, the hot ductility of GCr15 bearing steel was decreased. Lanthanum can reduce the harmful effect of tramp elements on the hot ductility of GCr15, which can react with antimony to form compound and segregate at grain boundary in steel. Lanthanum can refine the recrystallized austenite grains after deformation and subsequent martensite structure.

Study on Oxygen Content, Inclusions and Fatigue Properties of Bearing Steels Produced by Different Processes

The metallurgical properties and fatigue life of bearing steel processed by electric furnace (EAF), ladle refining (LF-VD), continous casting (CC) and electroslag remelting (ESR) have been investigated. The main results obtained are as follows: (1) Due to low oxygen content and dispersion inclusions in steel, the fatigue Life of LF-VD-IC or CC is three times as high as that of EAF steel; (2) The oxygen content in steel produced by CC process is about 9.0x10(-6), the carbon segregation (C/C(0)) is from 0.92 to 1.10 and the fatigue life of CC steel is equal to that of ladle refining ingot casting steel; (3) Although the amount of inclusion and oxygen in ESR steel is higher than that of LF-VD-IC or CC steel, the fatigue life of ESR steel is higher than that of the latter because of its fine and well dispersed inclusions.

Influence of cryogenic treatment on the wear characteristics of 100Cr6 bearing steel

A series of reciprocating wear tests were performed on the deep cryogenically treated and conventionally heat-treated samples of 100Cr6 bearing steel to study the wear resistance. The worn surfaces as well as the wear debris were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The improvement in wear resistance of the deep cryogenically treated samples ranges from 49% to 52%. This significant improvement in wear resistance can be attributed to finer carbide precipitation in the tempered martensitie matrix and the transformation of retained aus- tenite into martensite. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the volume fraction of retained austenite in the conventionally heat-treated samples is 14% and that of the deep cryogenically treated samples is only 3%.

COMPOSITION DESIGN FOR A BEARING STEEL WITH LIMITED HARDENABILITY

The composition of a bearing steel was designed for limited hardenability by use of Grossmann's method. A medium frequency induction Process was applied to heat bearings to ensure penetrant heating and suitable solving of carbon and other elements in the matrix. The hardened depth measured from the end quenching test samples and actual bearings matches well with the designed one.

Cr/CrN Compound Films Prepared by Ion Beam Assisted Deposition for Improving the Performance of Bearing Steel

With the development of industry, much attention has been paid to lengthening the life span of bearings. As reported in this paper, we investigated the Cr/CrN compound films formed on the specimens of W9Cr4V2Mo bearing steel by ion beam assisted deposition for improving the performance of bearing steels. The Vicker＇s microhardness, pin-on-disc, electrochemical measurement, XRD and SEM tests were used to characterize and analyze the treated samples. All results indicated that the mechanical properties of the treated samples were good, with the microhardness greater than that of the uncoated specimen, and the wear resistance, the passivity and pitting corrosion resistance increased considerably, the films possessed alternate Cr and CrN compound phases and produced different effects on the improvement of the performance of W9Cr4V2Mo bearing steels with different composing phases.

Diamond-like carbon films synthesized on bearing steel surface by plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were synthesized by plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIIID) on 9Cr18 bearing steel surface. Influences of working gas pressure and pulse width of the bias voltage on properties of the thin film were investigated. The chemical compositions of the as-deposited films were characterized by Raman spectroscopy. The micro-hardness, friction and wear behavior, corrosion resistance of the samples were evaluated, respectively. Compared with uncoated substrates, micro-hardness results reveal that the maximum is increased by 88.7%. In addition, the friction coefficient decreases to about 0.1, and the corrosion resistance of treated coupons surface are improved significantly.

Carbide Dissolution during Intercritical Austenitization in Bearing Steel

In order to investigate the carbide dissolution mechanism of high carbon-chromium bearing steel during the intercritical austenitization, the database of TCFE7 of Thermo-calc and MOBFE of DICTRA software were used to calculate the elements diffusion kinetic and the evolution law of volume fraction of carbide. DIL805 A dilatometer was used to simulate the intercritical heat treatment. The microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, and the micro-hardness was tested. The experimental results indicate that the dissolution of carbide is composed of two stages： initial austenite growth governed by carbon diffusion which sharply moves up the micro-hardness of quenched martensite, and subsequent growth controlled by diffusion of Cr elements in M3 C. The volume fraction of M3 C decreases with the increasing holding time, and the metallographic analysis shows a great agreement with values calculated by software.