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VERSION:2.0
METHOD:PUBLISH
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ORGANIZER;CN=ESTAD 2023:mailto:info@metec-estad.com
LOCATION:Room 18b
SUMMARY:Investigation of inclusion evolution in a medium carbon steel through contact with secondary metallurgical slags containing alkali oxides
DESCRIPTION:The role of non-metallic inclusions has become more prominent with increasing demands on the mechanical properties of modern steels. The control of their amount, size, morphology and chemical composition is the key for producing highly advanced steel grades. Interactions between steel and slag essentially influence inclusion evolution over the production process and, therefore, the final steel cleanness. Recently, research on the role of alkali oxides on inclusion behavior in secondary metallurgical treatments increased, especially controlling inclusion scenarios in very cleanness-sensitive steels.
This study analyses inclusion behavior and modification in medium carbon steel in contact with low-basicity pseudo-wollastonitic slags with additional contents of alkali metal oxides. In particular, their capability to remove or affect non-metallic inclusions was analyzed. Thermodynamic calculations showed that adding R2O (R=Li, Na, K) can drastically lower the melting point of the slag. As slag and non-metallic inclusions interact, the particles' chemical composition is influenced. As a result, inclusion deformability improves.
High-Temperature Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy and Tammann Furnace experiments were used to study inclusion evolution through their interaction with slag with different amounts of alkali oxides on a laboratory scale. The inclusion population was compared before and after steel-slag interaction using automated SEM/EDS analysis. Particles modified with the added alkali elements could be observed, as well as a shift in the overall inclusion population. Thermodynamic calculations show significant changes in the liquidus temperature of the modified inclusions and a strong dependency on the ratios of Na2O/Al2O3 and Na2O/SiO2.
CLASS:PUBLIC
DTSTART:20230614T141000
DTEND:20230614T143000
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