Effect of continuous casting speed on mold surface flow and the related near-surface distribution of non-metallic inclusions

For the control of surface defects in interstitial-free(IF) steel, quantitative metallographic analyses of near-surface inclusions and surface liquid flow detection via the nail-board tipping method were conducted. The results show that, at casting speeds of 0.8 and 1.0 m/min, a thin liquid mold flux layer forms and non-uniform floating of argon bubbles occurs, inducing the entrainment and subsequent entrapment of the liquid flux; fine inclusion particles of Al_2O_3 can also aggregate at the solidification front. At higher casting speeds of 1.4 and 1.6 m/min, the liquid mold flux can be entrained and carried deeper into the liquid steel pool because of strong level fluctuations of the liquid steel and the flux. The optimal casting speed is approximately 1.2 m/min, with the most favorable surface flow status and, correspondingly, the lowest number of inclusions near the slab surface.

Study on non-metallic inclusions in Al killed high strength alloy steel refined by high basicity and high Al_2O_3 content slag

Laboratory and industrial studies were carried out to investigate non-metallic inclusions in high strength alloy steel refined by high basicity and high Al_2O_3 slag.It was found that the steel/slag reaction time largely affected non-metallic inclusions.With the reaction time increased from 30 min to 90 min in laboratory study,MgO-Al_2O_3 spinels were gradually changed into CaO-MgO-Al_2O_3 system inclusions surrounded by softer CaO-Al_2O_3 surface layers.By using high basicity slag which contained as much as 41%Al_2O_3 in the laboratory study,ratio of low melting temperature CaO-MgO-Al_2O_3 system inclusions was remarkably increased to above 80%.In the industrial experiment,during the secondary refining,the inclusions changed in order of 'Al_2O_3→MgO-Al_2O_3→CaO-MgO-Al_2O_3'.Through the LF and RH refining,most inclusions could be transferred to lower melting temperature CaO-Al_2O_3 and CaO-MgO-Al_2O_3 system inclusions.

Three-dimensional analysis technology for accurately characterizing non-metallic inclusion particles in steel

In this paper, a kind of three-dimensional analysis technology for characterizing non-metallic inclusions in steel was clearly elaborated. It is an electron microscopy observation, namely the non-aqueous electrolysis extraction method with a settled coulometer. In the research,the extraction effects of non-metallic inclusions in different electrolysis systems were studied, and it was concluded that alkalescent 2% TEA non-aqueous electrolyte was applicable for extracting most of non-metallic inclusion particles in steel. And then, in order to ensure the microscopic characterization and statistical calculation of inclusion particles, some electrolysis parameters should be confirmed, such as the size of the sample, control of the electrolysis mass, electric current, etc. Furthermore, for preventing the disturbance of carbides and presenting clear three-dimensional appearance by microscopic characterization, magnetic separation was utilized to separate the inclusion particles from carbides, which was useful for getting more veracious types, particle sizes and chemical composition of inclusions. Moreover, through calculation of quantity and particle size of inclusions in continuous determinate fields, the total quantity per unit volume or area and the particle size distribution of inclusions could be acquired by conversion with electrolysis loss. Besides, the comparison between this method and traditional quantitative metallography was also discussed, and finally, a conclusion was drawn that both of them have respectively applications in characterizing inclusions.

Behavior of Non-metallic Inclusions in Centrifugal Induction Electroslag Castings

In order to know the behavior of non-metallic inclusions in centrifugal induction electroslag castings (CIESC), non-metallic inclusions in 5CrMnMo and 4Cr5MoSiV1 were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The largest size of inclusions in the casting and the thermodynamic possibility of TiN precipitation in steel were also calculated. The results show that sulfide inclusions are evenly distributed and the content is low. The amount of oxide inclusions in CIESC: 4Cr5MoSiV1 steel is close to the ESR steel and lower than that in the EAF steel, and there are some differences along radial direction. Nitride inclusions are fine and the diameter of the largest one is 3-1 mum. With the increase of the centrifugal machine's rotational speed, the ratio of round inclusions increases and the ratio of sharp inclusions decreases. According to the experiment and the calculation results, it is pointed out that the largest diameter of non-metallic inclusions in the CIESC 4Cr5MoSiV1 casting is only 6.6 mum, and [N%][Ti%] in 4Cr5MoSiV1 steel should be controlled less than 4.4x 10(-5) in order to further reduce the amount and size of TiN inclusions.

Non-metallic Inclusions in Continuously Cast Aluminum Killed Steels

In aluminum killed steels, the size, shape, quantity and formation of non-metallic inclusions in ladle steel (before and after RH vacuum treatment) and in tundish as well as in slabs were studied by EPMA (Electron Probe Microanalysis) and by analyzing the total oxygen. The results showed that in the slabs the total oxygen was quite low and the inclusions discovered were mainly small-sized angular alumina inclusions. This indicates that most inclusions have been removed by floating out during the continuous casting process. In addition, the countermeasures were discussed to decrease the alumina inclusions in the slabs further.

Evaluation of Characteristics of Non-Metallic Inclusions in P/M Ni-Base Superalloy by Automatic Image Analysis

Non-metallic inclusions,especially the large ones,within P/M Ni-base superalloy have a major influence on fatigue characteristics,but are not directly measurable by routine inspection.In this paper,a method,automatic image analysis,is proposed for estimation of the content,size and amount of non-metallic inclusions in superalloy.The methodology for the practical application of this method is described and the factors affecting the precision of the estimation are discussed.In the experiment,the characteristics of the non-metallic inclusions in Ni-base P/M superalloy are analyzed.

Effect of hafnium and molybdenum addition on inclusion characteristics in Co-based dual-phase high-entropy alloys

Specific grades of high-entropy alloys(HEAs)can provide opportunities for optimizing properties toward high-temperature applications.In this work,the Co-based HEA with a chemical composition of Co_(47.5)Cr_(30)Fe_(7.5)Mn_(7.5)Ni_(7.5)(at%)was chosen.The refractory metallic elements hafnium(Hf)and molybdenum(Mo)were added in small amounts(1.5at%)because of their well-known positive effects on high-temperature properties.Inclusion characteristics were comprehensively explored by using a two-dimensional cross-sectional method and extracted by using a three-dimensional electrolytic extraction method.The results revealed that the addition of Hf can reduce Al_(2)O_(3)inclusions and lead to the formation of more stable Hf-rich inclusions as the main phase.Mo addition cannot influence the inclusion type but could influence the inclusion characteristics by affecting the physical parameters of the HEA melt.The calculated coagulation coefficient and collision rate of Al_(2)O_(3)inclusions were higher than those of HfO_(2)inclusions,but the inclusion amount played a larger role in the agglomeration behavior of HfO_(2)and Al_(2)O_(3)inclusions.The impurity level and active elements in HEAs were the crucial factors affecting inclusion formation.

Thermodynamic aspects of inclusion engineering in steels

Tailoring non-metallic inclusions in accordance to the desired effect on steel properties has gained widespread acceptance in the last decades and has become known as “inclusion engineering”. Effective inclusion engineering involves three steps： （a） a good knowledge of how inclusions influence properties, （b） understanding what is the effect of each type of inclusions on these properties and thus which is the most desirable inclusion in a given product and （c） adjusting the processing parameters to obtain these inclusions. A significant portion of the process adjustment is done during steel refining, where the steel can be tailored so that the desired chemical composition of the non-metallic inclusions that will precipi- tate can be altered. Understanding the relations between steel chemistry, processing variables and inclusion chemical composition requires significant understanding of the thermodynamics of the systems involved. These complex equilibrium calculations are best done using computational thermodynamics. In this work some of the basic techniques used to control inclusion composition are reviewed and the thermodynamic information required to perform this task is presented. Several examples of the application of computational thermodynamics to inclusion engineering of different steels grades are presented and compared with experimental results, whenever possible. The potential and limitations of the method are highlighted, in special those related to thermodynamic data and databases.

Effect of retained austenite and nonmetallic inclusions on the thermal/electrical properties and resistance spot welding nuggets of Si-containing TRIP steels

Five advanced high-strength transformation-induced plasticity(TRIP) steels with different chemical compositions were studied to correlate the retained austenite and nonmetallic inclusion content with their physical properties and the characteristics of the resistance spot welding nuggets. Electrical and thermal properties and equilibrium phases of TRIP steels were predicted using the JMatPro? software. Retained austenite and nonmetallic inclusions were quantified by X-ray diffraction and saturation magnetization techniques. The nonmetallic inclusions were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the contents of Si, C, Al, and Mn in TRIP steels increase both the retained austenite and the nonmetallic inclusion contents. We found that nonmetallic inclusions affect the thermal and electrical properties of the TRIP steels and that the differences between these properties tend to result in different cooling rates during the welding process. The results are discussed in terms of the electrical and thermal properties determined from the chemical composition and their impact on the resistance spot welding nuggets.

ULTRASONIC SEPARATION OF MICRO-SIZED INCLUSIONS IN MOLTEN METAL

The coagulation time and position of micro-sized non-metallic inclusions in molten metal during ultrasonic separation process were investigated, and the motion course of micro-sized non-metallic inclusions in an ultrasonic standing wave field was numerically simulated. The results of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation show that the movement of inclusions depends on the balance between the acoustic radiation force, effective buoyancy force and viscous drag force. It is presented that micro-sized inclusions, agglomerated at antinode-planes may be removed further with horizon tal ultrasound.``

Study on formation of non-metallic inclusions with lower melting temperatures in extra low oxygen special steels

Investigations were made both in laboratorial and industrial scales on formation of non-metallic inclusions with relatively lower melting temperatures to improve the fatigue property of the special steels which contained extra low oxygen.It was found in laboratory studies that steel/slag reaction time largely affected non-metallic inclusions in steel.With the slag/steel reaction time increasing from 30 to 90 min,inclusions of MgO-Al2O3 spinel were gradually changed into CaO-MgO-Al2O3 system inclusions which were surrounded by lower melting temperature softer CaO-Al2O3 surface layers.By using high basicity and as much as 41 mass% Al2O3 refining slag,the ratio of the lower melting temperature CaO-MgO-Al2O3 system inclusions was remarkably increased to above 80%.In the industrial experiments,it was found that the inclusions changed in the order of "Al2O3 →MgO-Al2O3 system→CaO-MgO-Al2O3 system" in the secondary refining,and the change from MgO-Al2O3 system to CaO-MgO-Al2O3 system took place from the outside to the inside.The diffusion of CaO and MgO inside the layer of CaO-MgO-Al2O3 was considered as the controlling step of the inclusion transfer.Through LF and RH refining,most inclusions could be transferred to lower melting temperature CaO-Al2O3 and CaO-MgO-Al2O3 system inclusions.

Non-metallic inclusions in electroslag remelting:a review

Non-metallic inclusion in electroslag remelting is a constant topic that has been studied for decades.Different results and conclusions are obtained on some of the subjects from these previous investigations.These differences originate in part from different experimental conditions,including original inclusion chemistries in consumable electrode,slag composition,oxygen level,liquid metal compositions,deoxidation schemes,and melting rates of electroslag remelting.The advances in the operating practices of inclusion control in electroslag remelting production are reviewed.Inclusion evolution during the electroslag remelting and related processing parameters are also reviewed and assessed.The role of the reoxidation of liquid steel during electroslag remelting on oxide inclusion composition is discussed.The generation of inclusions in remelted ingot is critically assessed.Perspective and remaining issues are noted.

Non-Metallic Inclusion Distribution in Surface Layer of IF Steel Slabs

Non-metallic inclusion distribution in the surface layer of IF steel slabs during unsteady casting was investigated using the original position statistic distribution analysis（OPA）method.It was found that most non-metallic inclusions larger than 10 μm existed in the subsurface layers of 0.5-3.5 mm from the slab surfaces and very few large non-metallic inclusions were found in the inner regions（≥4.5 mm from slab surfaces）.In addition,it was found that at high casting speed level（1.4 m/min）,even a slight change of casting speed could result in a remarkable increase of the non-metallic inclusions.Thus,at high casting speed,changing the casting speed should be avoided or considerably lower speed changing rate must be used.

Investigation on Non-Metallic Inclusions in LCAK Steel Produced by BOF-LF-FTSC Production Route

The behavior of non-metallic inclusions in LCAK （low carbon aluminum killed） steel produced by BOF （basic oxygen furnace）-LF （ladle furnace） refining-FTSC （flexible thin slab continuous caster） production route was investigated. The results showed that, LF refining for LCAK steel could decrease the wT[o] significantly, and the inclusions were modified by Ca treatment, which prevented nozzle clogging efficiently. However, owing to the unstable casting condition in the earlier stage of casting, a severe reoxidation occurred, accompanied with mold slag entrapment. The transformation of non-metallic inclusions during the steelmaking process was Al2O3→MgO→Al2O3 type inclusion→MgO-Al2O3 O3-CaO type inclusion with a CaS ring, and the mechanism of the transformation was pro posed and discussed via thermodynamic and kinetic analysis. Besides, to avoid CaS precipitation, the product of W[Al] ×w3[S] in steel should be less than 2.0 × 10 10 at 1873 K, which remands higher desulfurization ratio during LF refining.

Influence of Prior Austenite Deformation and Non-Metallic Inclusions on Ferrite Formation in Low-Carbon Steels

Effects of prior austenite deformation and non-metallic inclusions on the ferrite nucleation and grain refine- ment of two kinds of low-carbon steels have been studied. The ferrite nucleation on MnS and V（C, N） is observed. The combination of thermomeehanical processes with adequate amounts of non-metallic inclusions formed in low-car- bon steels could effectively refine the grain size and the microstructure. Ferrite nucleated on the single MnS or V（C, N） inclusions and complex MnS＋V（C,N） inclusion. The proper addition of elements S and V could effectively promote the formation of ferrite and further refinement of ferrite grains.

Chemical Composition Control of Non-Metallic Inclusions in High Alloy Steel Production Process

There is a close relation between the characteristics of products and the chemical composition control of inclusions in steelmaking process. Therefore, it is very important for a warranty of product’s characteristics to improve inclusion quality resulting in defective products. In the present work, the control technique of inclusions’ chemical composition is discussed thermodynamically based on the Redlich-Kister type polynomial to metallic solution and regular solution model to molten oxide solution. It is very effective for the precise chemical composition control of oxides to determine the concentration of deoxidizers based on the thermodynamic relation among dissolved deoxidizers and oxygen, because it is known that oxide inclusions are equilibrated with them in molten steel in the steel making process. High alloy steel production process was focused in the present work.

Effect of ferromanganese additions on non-metallic inclusion characteristics in TRIP steel

The inclusion characteristics in extra low-carbon ferromanganese(ELC-FeMn),low-carbon ferromanganese(LC-FeMn),mid-carbon ferromanganese(MC-FeMn),and high-carbon ferromanganese(HC-FeMn)were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy.The effect of FeMn alloys on the cleanliness of transformation-induced plasticity(TRIP)steel was studied based on laboratory-scale experiments and thermodynamic calculations.The results show that the main inclusions in ELC-FeMn are MnO-MnS and MnS,and the dominant inclusions in LC-FeMn and MC-FeMn are MnO,MnO-SiO_(2),and MnO-SiO_(2)-MnS.The inclusions in HC-FeMn are diversified.Besides MnO-SiO_(2)inclusion,a certain number of Al-,Si-,and Ti-containing inclusions and enrichment phases of Pb,Sn,and P are observed in HC-FeMn.Before FeMn alloy addition,the main inclusion in steel is Al2O.After alloying with the four different grades of FeMn alloy,the main inclusions in TRIP steel are Al_(2)O_(3),AIN,MnS,AlO3-AIN,AINMnS,and Al_(2)O_(3)-MnS.The MnO and SiO_(2)inclusions from FeMn alloys are not detected in TRIP steel.

Reoxidation of liquid steel and evolution of inclusions during protective atmosphere electroslag remelting of Ce-containing heat-resistant stainless steel

The evolution of Ce-containing inclusions and its correlation with the reoxidation of liquid steel during protective atmosphere electroslag remelting(ESR)of heat-resistant steel were studied.The reoxidation of liquid steel took place during the ESR,resulting in the oxygen pickup from 0.0014 to 0.0053 wt.%.The inclusions in the consumable electrode,liquid metal pool and remelted ingot are Ce_(2)O_(2)S and Ce_(2)O,inclusions invariably.The inclusions in the remelted ingot are originated from three ways:(I)the original inclusions from the electrode;(Il)the newly formed Ce_(2)O_(2)S and Ce_(2)O_(3) inclusions in the liquid metal pool by reoxidation remaining still in remelted ingot;(IlI)the newly generated Ce2O2S and Ce_(2)O_(3) inclusions during cooling and solidification of liquid steel.The relative proportions of Ce_(2)O_(3) inclusions in liquid metal pool and remelted ingot are 41% and 76.5%,respectively.The inclusions ranging from 2 to 5μm in the remelted ingot take up 55%,followed by the inclusions smaller than 2μm(43%of total inclusions).The number proportion of the Ce_(2)0,inclusions in the liquid metal pool which were removed by floating up into slag is 1.96×10-5%.

Pitting corrosion initiated by SiO_(2)-MnO-Cr_(2)O_(3)-Al_(2)O_(3)-based inclusions in a 304 stainless steel

The influence of the aluminum content on the pitting corrosion of a 304 stainless steel by a Cl−solution was investigated.The number,area,and composition of non-metallic inclusions were modified by the addition of aluminum in the steel,which was responsible for the variation of the corrosion degree of the 304 stainless steel.Inclusions detection,corrosion test,electrochemical test,thermodynamic calculation,and first-principles calculation were performed to evaluate the pitting corrosion of the stainless steel.The initiation of the pitting corrosion by three types of inclusions,including(Mn,Si,Cr,S)O,(Mn,Al,Cr)O,and Al_(2)O_(3)were in-situ observed.After corroding for 880 min,the corrosion index of(Mn,Si,Cr,S)O,(Mn,Al,Cr)O,and Al_(2)O_(3)was 0.38%,0.02%,and 0.00%min−1,respectively.With the increase in aluminum content in the steel,the pitting potential of the stainless steel was 0.131,0.304,and 0.338 V,respectively,indicating that a higher aluminum content in the steel was beneficial to improving the pitting corrosion resistance of the 304 stainless steel.

非金属夹杂物对439M铁素体不锈钢耐点蚀性能的影响

研究了非金属夹杂物对Ti单稳定化及Ti、Nb双稳定化的439M铁素体不锈钢耐点蚀性的影响。通过金相显微镜、扫描电镜及能谱分析得到Ti单稳定化的钢中的非金属夹杂物。除了Ti的碳氮化物外还含有较多的氧化物及复合型夹杂物。而Ti、Nb双稳定化的钢中主要为Ti和Nb的碳氮化物,而且多为复合型包裹生长。Ti和Nb稳定化元素的加入,起到了固定钢中间隙元素C、N的作用,Ti、Nb的复合添加能改善钢中夹杂物的质量。通过电化学测试系统对钢的耐点蚀性能的研究表明,Ti、Nb双稳定化的不锈钢的耐点蚀性能比Ti单稳定化的不锈钢好,Nb的加入能提高不锈钢的点蚀电位。结合扫描电镜及能谱分析可知,点蚀易于在富含Ca的复合型夹杂物与基体之间的界面处发生,由此可见,富含Ca夹杂物的点蚀诱发敏感性最强。